The Writing

Process
Academic Writing from Start to Finish

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 A good writing process can help
by breaking the task down into
small manageable steps so that
nothing gets missed and you are
able to fully develop your ideas

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 Prewriting
Understand assignment instructions
Make a plan Do initial research/brainstorming
and get Choose or narrow your topic
organized for
the writing Come up with a tentative thesis statement

task Do more research/thinking

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 Outline Make an outline including thesis and topic
sentences
Organize your
ideas Include supporting points and details

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 Drafting Write an introduction to interest the reader and establish focus

Write ideas in Develop body paragraphs each with a main point and evidence

sentences and Write a conclusion to summarize paper and explore implications

paragraphs Create Works Cited list

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 Revising Do the content and organization fit the assignment instructions?

Further develop
Are the thesis and topic sentences a good fit with the content?

content and Are the ideas in the best order?

organization Is each point supported with evidence and explanation?

Can a reader follow the logic and flow of your ideas?

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 Work until you are satisfied with all content/ideas
Re-Draft and organization
& Revise You may consider visiting the WLC for extra help
Repeat as It is always a good idea to save multiple versions of
necessary your work in case you change your mind or if you
need to demonstrate your writing process

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 Check that the format fits with assignment instructions
Check that you are following the required style (MLA?
Editing APA? CMS?)
Clean it up Check for language and grammar errors you often
before handing make
it in
Check consistency of verbs, pronouns, etc
Check for casual language or imprecise words
Check all citations

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 Review Make sure you are happy with all of
Your last your work and effort
chance! Review the rubric, if available

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 Follow submission instructions

Submit carefully (Hard copy? Online?)

Hand it in Don’t leave it to the last minute as

technology sometimes causes
problems

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 Are you surprised by your grade? Why?

Rethink What went well with this assignment? Do

Reflect after that again next time!
you get the What could you do to improve next time?
results
How could you have planned your time or
effort better?

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 The Writing Process
Prewriting Outline Drafting

Re-draft &
Editing Revising
Revise

Review Submit Rethink

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