3.1: Introduction to Writing Process
- Page ID
- 5284
- Identify topic selection activities
- Identify prewriting activities
- Identify activities to find evidence in support of a claim
- Identify essay organizational techniques
- Identify drafting activities
- Identify revision activities
- Identify proofreading activities
Why is it necessary to think of writing as a process?
As students, we’re used to thinking of “essay” as a noun. It’s often seen as an obligation, a task, a chore.
Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\)
But the origin of the word “essay” is actually as a verb, meaning “to attempt.” Thought of in this way, writing an essay can be seen as an open, inviting exercise. It’s a way of exploring a new concept. It’s using writing as thinking.
A mountain climber wouldn’t attempt a new technically-challenging climb without a lot of planning and preparation ahead of time. Essayists also need planning and preparation for new technical challenges.
The writing process supports the exploratory, open-ended nature of essay writing. It gives you guidance towards a final product, while still allowing you room to explore along the way.
Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\)
We’ll spend this module exploring each stage of the writing process, showing how stages overlap and intersect to lead you towards writing success.