Writing ProcessMadeleine L’Engle

Inspiration usually comes during work, rather than before it

Writing ProcessMaya Angelou

When I start a project, the first thing I do is write down, in longhand, everything I know about the subject, every thought I’ve ever had on it. This may be twelve or fourteen pages.

Writing ProcessMaya Angelou cont’d

Then I read it through, for quite a few days . . . then I try to find out what are the salient points that I must make. And then it begins to take shape.

Writing ProcessGenerating Ideas

Writing is not something you do after thinking, but in order to help you think.

Writing is recursive - plan, revise plan, draft, revise draft, write, revise, write, revise

Writing ProcessTechniques

List/Brainstorm Research Ask Questions Freewrite Cluster Maps Discussion

Writing ProcessOutline

Thesis statement: Controlling Idea

Issue/Topic + Your Position/OpinionOne Sentence

Writing ProcessOutlineI. Key Point

i. Explanation, example, detailii. Explanation, example, detail

II. Key Point i. Explanation, example, detailii. Explanation, example, detail

III. Key Point i. Explanation, example, detailii. Explanation, example, detail

Writing an IntroductionBasics

It should catch readers’ attentionIt should give background info on topicIt should present the thesis statementIt should preview the major points

Writing an IntroductionTechniques

Start with a surprising fact or ideaOpen with a quotationGive an example or tell a storyOffer a strong opinionAsk a question

Writing a ConclusionBasics

It should refer to your thesisIt should briefly summarize the major pointsIt should make a final observationIt should NOT introduce new information

Writing a ConclusionTechniques

Foresee the future by utilizing the informationGive the reader something to think aboutRefer back to Intro techniques