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 ProcessPre-Writing Techniques

List/Brainstorm Research

Ask Questions Freewrite

Cluster Maps Discussion

Writing ProcessOutlineThesis statement: I. Main Point One

A. Supporting detail i. evidence, examples, opinions

ii. evidence, examples, opinions B. Supporting detail i. evidence, examples, opinions

ii. evidence, examples, opinions II. Main Point Two

A. Supporting detail i. evidence, examples, opinions

ii. evidence, examples, opinions B. Supporting detail i. evidence, examples, opinions

ii. evidence, examples, opinions III. Main Point Three

A. Supporting detailB. Supporting detail

Writing an IntroductionBasics

It should catch readers’ attentionIt should present the essay’s thesis statementIt should give readers an idea of what the essay will cover

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 main pointIt should briefly summarize the support you have developedIt 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