Personal Paper

The Writing Process

GENERAL STEPS IN THE WRITING PROCESS

1. Prewriting and Planning

Good planning and preparation are the keys to good writing.

a. Thinking

The first thing that writers should learn about writing is that it starts with thinking. Those who learn to write well know that a good deal of thinking needs to take place before any writing happens. Many people who have trouble writing have trouble because they don't know how to get started. A writer needs to start by thinking about the topic. Usually, in professional life or college, the topic is given, at least in a general way. For example, you may be assigned to write a marketing proposal for next year, or write a position paper on how the new Eurodollar will impact international exchange rates.

Start by just thinking about the topic. Let your mind center on it. What do you already know about the topic? What don't you know? What do you need to know?

b. Gathering Information

Begin brainstorming and perhaps jotting down information and ideas. Let your mind flow with the topic. Don't concern yourself with what the information or ideas are; just write down anything related to the topic that occurs to you. If it helps you to make mind maps, use other graphics, or make lists, do so. Brainstorm until you can't think of anything else to jot down. Be as specific as possible with any details.

After you've finished brainstorming, look back at the information and ideas you've thought of and written down. Review the material to see if anything else occurs to you. Think about what other information you might need to gather. What else do you need to know? What questions might someone have about your information? Make a note or two about where you think you could find the information you still need. If you need to go to other sources, such as the library or databases, to get information and do some research, then do so. Make copies, mark them up, highlight passages, etc.

When you've gathered all the information you think you'll need, stop and check. You need a lot of information and details to work with, of course, but check to see that you have the most basic information: the 5Ws+H. Do you have all the information for your topic regarding who, what, where, when, why, and how? Do you have names and specific details? If you discover you are missing any information or necessary details, go back to your sources and get them. It is important to have all of your information beforehand. It facilitates the planning and keeps many writing problems from happening.

c. Thesis

You need to know the thesis of your paper before you try to write it. In grade school, we're taught that a paper's thesis is its main idea. This is true, but what is the main idea? Writers think of a thesis in somewhat more precise terms. A thesis should contain two pieces of information: the topic and your position or opinion. You should be able to state it in one sentence. For example: IBM PCs would best serve our computer needs. Topic: IBM PCs. Position/Opinion: ...would best serve our computer needs. Write your thesis statement down in your notes and information. If you need to modify it later, you can, but decide what it will be and write it down. Knowing your thesis helps you know the direction you are going to take your information when you write your paper, report, etc. It gives you focus.

d. Audience

Take a few moments to consider who your audience will be. Who is going to be reading this paper? Who might read it after they read it? What do they already know about the topic, if anything? What do they need to know?

Also consider what you know about your readers. What level of education do they have? What field is their specialty? What position do they have and what work do they do? What about differences in age, gender, etc.? What about cultural differences?

Considering your audience will help you to mentally set your language level for writing your paper. Your mind will start working on choosing the right words and phrasing for what you are going to tell them. It will also help alert you to special considerations you might have to take into account when communicating with others, especially if topic knowledge or cultural differences must be considered.

e. Purpose

Take another moment to consider your purpose. What are you trying to accomplish by communicating the information you will be writing? Are you simply trying to give information that was requested, or are you attempting to also explain the information? Do you need to convince them to see it your way or do it your way? Whatever it is, you should write it down in one sentence, like you did your thesis. For example: The purpose of my paper is to convince management that IBM PCs are the best choice for our computer needs. Refer to your thesis to help you compose your purpose statement. You can modify it later, if necessary, but write it down the best you can for now. Knowing your purpose ahead of time gives you focus. It helps tailor your information and presentation to fit your thesis audience.

Another reason it is good to know your purpose ahead of time is that it allows you to know when you are done with your paper. Some writers have trouble knowing when to stop writing. When you have fulfilled your purpose, you're done. If you've planned carefully, this usually coincides with discovering you've used all your information.

f. Organization

It is better and easier to organize your information and material before you write than to try to do it after you've made a draft. Being understood is the most important thing in communication, and that requires thought and organization. Organization has three sub-steps: editing, grouping, and outlining.

1) Editing

You may wonder what there is to edit since you haven't written your paper yet. At this point in the process, edit your information. Discard any information you don't need. How do you know what you need? Look at your thesis and purpose. Whatever information will support your thesis and fulfill your purpose, keep. Whatever doesn't, toss out. If you're not sure about a piece of information, keep it for now. You can toss it out later if you don't use it.

2) Grouping

Take the information you've kept and sort it into groups. Base the groups on related