The Writing Process

Generating Ideas First, make a decision: What is my topic? Second, limit the topic: What about the topic? Brainstorming "seeing " your ideas on paper Listing Clustering/Mind mapping Discussing with a partner "hearing" your ideas and others' viewpoints Form a "working" thesis statement It should be specific enough to deal with in a short essay. Too broad: Better: Hunting is very dangerous. (general) (in what way?) Irresponsible hunting should be outlawed. (define) (give reasons) Review ideas (from idea generation phase) Select relevant ones, add new ones. Organize ideas Outline. Arrange topic sentences to support thesis statement and details, examples, etc. to support topic sentences. Rough draft Thesis statement and body paragraphs mainly. Also, think of a way to focus the reader's attention on your thesis statement (introduction) and leave a lasting impression (conclusion). Write the essay "Rethinking" usually produces better results than merely copying the rough draft, but it is more challenging. Revise, revise, revise ! Overall essay Paragraph by paragraph Sentences Words