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3.1: Introduction to Writing Process

  • Page ID
    5284
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    Approach writing as a “process”
    • 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.

    Man rock climbing

    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.

    Graphic labeled "The Writing Process." A line of brightly colored circles are connected by gray arrows wrapping around them. From left to right, they read: Topic, Prewrite, Evidence, Organize, Draft, Revise, Proofread.

    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.


    This page titled 3.1: Introduction to Writing Process is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Lumen Learning.

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