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2: The Writing Process

  • Page ID
    341016
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    If you think that a blank sheet of paper or a blinking cursor on the computer screen is a scary sight, you are not alone. Many writers, students, and employees find that beginning to write can be intimidating. When faced with a blank page, however, experienced writers remind themselves that writing, like other everyday activities, is a process. Every process, from writing to cooking, bike riding, and learning to use a new cell phone, will get significantly easier with practice.

    Just as you need a recipe, ingredients, and the proper tools to cook a delicious meal, you also need a plan, resources, and adequate time to create a well-written composition. In other words, writing is a process that requires following steps and using strategies to accomplish your goals.

    Effective writing can be simply described as good ideas that are expressed well and arranged in the proper order. This chapter will give you the chance to work on all these important aspects of writing.

    • 2.1: Prewriting
      This page outlines various prewriting strategies essential for effective essay drafting, such as brainstorming, freewriting, listing, and clustering. It emphasizes the importance of selecting an appropriate topic that matches the assignment's purpose and audience. Techniques like idea mapping can help writers refine broad topics into specific subtopics.
    • 2.2: Outlining
      This page provides guidance on two distinct topics: creating effective outlines for academic writing and preparing the perfect egg omelet. Outlines help organize ideas, ensuring logical progression and clarity, while also preventing writer's block. Different outline types cater to varying detail levels. For omelet preparation, using a non-stick pan and fresh ingredients is crucial. Quick whisking of eggs with milk, immediate frying, and careful flipping contributes to a fluffy texture.
    • 2.3: Drafting (Part 1)
      This page discusses two main topics: the drafting stage of writing, highlighting the creation of a structured first draft with key components and effective strategies; and the impact of ebook readers on reading habits, noting their accessibility and portability, while also addressing consumer challenges related to compatibility and digital rights management that complicate device selection.
    • 2.4: Drafting (Part 2)
      This page discusses Mariah's essay on digital technology, comparing digital cameras and televisions, where she emphasizes clarity and audience needs. It also provides guidance on pre-writing, developing thesis support, crafting strong introductions and conclusions, and maintaining coherence throughout the essay. Key points include identifying evidence, aligning topic sentences with the thesis, engaging readers, and avoiding common pitfalls in conclusions.
    • 2.5: Revising and Editing (Part 1)
      This page emphasizes the significance of revising and editing essays to enhance clarity and coherence, regardless of a writer's experience. It suggests strategies like taking breaks and seeking peer feedback to refine drafts. Additionally, it discusses informed decision-making when purchasing televisions, highlighting the need for budget communication to salespeople.
    • 2.6: Revising and Editing (Part 2)
      This page emphasizes the importance of clarity, conciseness, and effective editing in writing, encouraging revision and the use of specific language while maintaining a formal tone. It provides guidance on proofreading techniques, grammar, and coherence, suggesting resources for improvement.


    This page titled 2: The Writing Process is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Kathryn Crowther, Lauren Curtright, Nancy Gilbert, Barbara Hall, Tracienne Ravita, and Kirk Swenson (GALILEO Open Learning Materials) via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.