How to Use Steps in the Writing Process

Even the most experienced, talented writers do not just produce quality writing picking up the pen only once. Well-written material is an accumulation of 5 writing steps: pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing and presenting. Often times the writer has to return to a previous stage to change, expand or develop ideas.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Pre-write to decide a purpose and identify the audience. Write without stopping, or list key words to brainstorm topics and explore ideas. Collect information to support the topic, then write a working outline.

2. Draft sentences and paragraphs to logically connect ideas. Develop an enticing introduction that peaks the reader's interest. Begin paragraphs with a topic or central idea sentence. Use transition words like however, moreover or therefore to smoothly connect paragraphs.

3. Revise until the paper has a logical flow between sentences and paragraphs. Verify ideas are developed and clearly supported with details. Make sure it reaches the intended audience and achieves a purpose.

4. Edit to perfect final writing and focus on word choice. Check for spelling, grammar and punctuation mistakes like subject/verb agreement, pronoun antecedent agreement, sentence fragments and run-on sentences.

5. Publish or present your completed work. Use the Internet to contact publishers, join a writer's group to network or submit the work to the editor of a local newspaper.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not leave the reader with questioning gaps in the logic.

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