Writing is a circular process, and as in any process, certain guidelines must be followed to get from one component to the next.
Various texts and authors demonstrate varying numbers of components in the writing process, but the following five components demonstrate the essentials of the process:
There are several methods writers can use to generate ideas for subjects, topics or content. Listed below are a few of the methods some writers use. These methods can be used individually or in cooperation with each other, depending on the writer's needs.
Writers write, in a somewhat continuous pattern, those ideas which first come to mind. The format is similar to that of a paragraph, but there are no restrictions regarding punctuation, spelling or other grammar rules.
Writers write down ideas as they come to mind. It is similar to free-writing, but the format is that of a list rather than a paragraph.
Writers produce a diagram indicating ideas as they come to mind. They begin by writing around a subject or topic in the center of a piece of paper and drawing a circle around it. Concentrating on the subject, the writers then write around it whatever related ideas come to mind. As one idea leads to another, lines are drawn and circles are added.
For the purpose of evaluating and revising, papers should be divided into three aspects
Rather than trying to judge everything at once, most writers and editors find that they are more successful when they examine only one of these aspects at a time.
Purpose: Do the ideas and information included in the paper help to explain, to describe, to persuade or tell the story?
Audience: Will the audience find the paper interesting? Are unfamiliar terms explained and necessary background information supplied to help the audience understand?
Topic Development: Are enough information and details provided to help the audience understand the topic? Does all of the information "belong" in this paper?
Order: Are the ideas arranged in a way that will be clear to the reader? Is the pattern of organization appropriate for the paper?
Transitions: Are the ideas smoothly joined by connecting words and phrases? Are the relationships between sentences obvious, rather than confusing and unclear?
Tone: Does the paper sound serious or light enough for the audience to except what is said? Does the tone seem suitable for the purpose of the paper?
Sentence Structure: Do the sentences vary in length to avoid monotony? Do the sentences begin in different ways and follow different patterns?
Word Choice: Does the writing contain precise, specific words? Do the words make the meaning clear rather than general and fuzzy?
E. Editing - In this component, writers carefully read papers, looking for grammar errors as well as careless mistakes like omitted words and letters. Some techniques that aid spotting inaccuracies in writing include the following:
Content: | Guidelines For Evaluating/Revising |
Purpose | Do the ideas and information included in the paper help to explain, to describe, to persuade or tell the story? |
Audience | Will the audience find the paper interesting? Are unfamiliar terms explained and necessary background information supplied to help the audience understand? |
Topic Development |
Are enough information and details provided to help the audience understand the topic? Does all of the information "belong" in this paper? |
Organization: | |
Order | Are the ideas arranged in a way that will be clear to the reader? Is the pattern of organization appropriate for the paper? |
Transitions | Are the ideas smoothly joined by connecting words and phrases? Are the relationships between sentences obvious, rather than confusing and unclear? |
Style: | |
Tone | Does the paper sound serious or light enough for the audience to except what is said? Does the tone seem suitable for the purpose of the paper? |
Sentence Structure |
Do the sentences vary in length to avoid monotony? Do the sentences begin in different ways and follow different patterns? |
Word Choice |
Does the writing contain precise, specific words? Do the words make the meaning clear rather than general and fuzzy? |