(WPPE) Lesson Topic 1: The Writing Process

Lesson Topic 1: The Writing Process

The writing process consists of prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. It is not a good idea to think of these stages as occurring in a sequential and linear fashion. The stages are interactive and frequently occur simultaneously.

Many students tend to skip certain steps of the writing process such as prewriting, revising, and editing. The revision process is the most important step of the writing process. This is where you proofread your essay and perfect the content. You can have the best ideas in the world, but if there are multiple grammatical mistakes, your paper will be difficult to understand. In addition, the prewriting stage is also a crucial part of the writing process. It does not have to take a long time, but it is something you should do in order to get down your thoughts and ideas.

When it is time to prewrite, it is important to write down the topic of the paper, the main ideas of the body paragraphs, and the supporting details. To help you see each part of your future essay, we are going to label the topic with a #1. The body paragraph topics will get a #2, and the supporting details are #3.

Below are several ways that students can prewrite. Choose the way that best appeals to you and your learning style. One particular way is not better than the other. The examples should help you to see what you need to do during the prewriting process.

 

Outline Outline

Getting a Computer (#1)

I. Picking one out (#2)
A. Shopping around at different stores to compare prices (#3)
B. Talked to salespeople about what I needed (#3)

II. Setting is up (#2)
A. Tried to read the manual but gave up (#3)
B. Friend came to get it started and taught my how to use it (#3)
Bubble Clusters Bubble Cluster

Summertime (#1) 
↓
Family (#2)
↓
Go on vacation to Disneyland and the beach (#3); See my brothers and sisters more often during the day (#3); Barbeques in the backyard (#3)
Columns Columns 

#1 - My Two Best Friends
#2 Katie | Joe
#3 Katie has known me since kindergarten; We have 4 classes together.
#3 Joe lives down the street from me; We are taking driver's ed together.
Line Clusters Line Clusters

Step 1: List your ideas in any order.
Step 2: Categorize your ideas.
Step 3: Label

Subject: Spring - my favorite season of the year.

→ New leaves and flowers on trees
→ Warmer weather
→ Time to clean the house
→ School is coming to an end
→ Baseball practice

Categories: nature (A) and responsibilities (B)

Label my ideas:
→ New leaves and flowers on trees (A)
→ Warmer weather (A)
→ Time to clean the house (B)
→ School is coming to an end (B)
→ Baseball practice (B)

 

Use the following activity to help you review the Writing Process.

 

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