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1.3: Assessing the Writing Situation

  • Page ID
    5790
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    Before beginning the writing process, always establish the following:

    • Is there an assigned topic or are you free to choose your own?
    • What about your subject interests you?
    • Why is your subject worth reading about?
    • Double check that your subject is not too broad – narrow it down if necessary.
    • Determine the purpose of the work.
    • Determine the readers of the work and their level of knowledge about the topic.
    • Determine where your evidence will come from.
    • Decide what kind of evidence would best serve your argument.
    • Identify the required style (MLA, APA, etc.) of the paper.
    • Be aware of length specifications.
    • Consider if visuals might be helpful in your paper.
    • Will someone be reviewing drafts of your paper? Who?
    • Note your deadline and how much time you have for each stage of the writing process.

    This page titled 1.3: Assessing the Writing Situation is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Robing Jeffrey.

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