The Process of Writing
By Kalsoom Jahan
The process of writing can vary
depending on the individual writer and their approach to writing. However,
there are some general steps that most writers follow to create a piece of
writing, whether it's an essay, a novel, a report, or any other form of written
work. Here is a basic overview of the writing process:
Pre-writing: This stage involves brainstorming, researching, and planning the
structure and content of the piece of writing. The writer may jot down ideas,
create an outline, conduct research, or gather the information that will be
used in writing.
Drafting: This stage involves putting the ideas and information gathered in
the pre-writing stage into writing. The writer may use the outline created in
the pre-writing stage to organize the writing, or they may write freely without
an outline. The focus is on getting ideas down on paper or screen without
worrying too much about perfect grammar or structure.
Revising: This stage involves reviewing the first draft and making changes
to improve the content and structure of the writing. The writer may add,
delete, or move sentences or paragraphs to make the writing flow better and
make more sense.
Editing: This stage involves reviewing the revised draft and making changes
to correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and other mechanical errors. The
writer may also check for consistency in style and formatting.
Publishing: This stage involves preparing the final draft for publication,
whether it's submitting it to a publisher or posting it online. The writer may
also seek feedback from others, such as editors or beta readers, to further
improve the writing.
These stages are not always
distinct, and the process of writing can be iterative, with the writer revising
and editing the writing multiple times before arriving at a final draft.
Additionally, some writers may skip or combine some of these stages depending
on their approach to writing.
Pre-Writing Stage
The pre-writing stage is the initial
phase of the writing process, during which a writer engages in activities that
help generate and organize ideas for a piece of writing. This stage involves
exploring different angles, researching the topic, and outlining the structure
and content of the piece. Here are some common activities that a writer might
engage in during the pre-writing stage:
Brainstorming: This is a process of generating a list of ideas related to the
topic. The writer can jot down anything that comes to mind, no matter how
unrelated or tangential it may seem. Brainstorming can be done individually or
in a group, and it can involve techniques like free writing, mind mapping, or
listing.
Researching: This is a process of gathering information on the topic, which can
help the writer generate ideas and provide context for the piece. The writer
can gather information from various sources, such as books, articles, online databases, interviews, or surveys. The writer should take notes and keep track
of sources for future reference.
Outlining: This is the process of creating a plan or framework for the piece.
The writer can use an outline to organize their ideas, create a logical
structure, and ensure that the piece is coherent and cohesive. The outline can
be as simple or detailed as needed, including headings, subheadings, and
bullet points.
Considering audience and purpose: This is a process of considering who the writing is for and what
the writer hopes to achieve with it. The writer should consider the intended
audience's knowledge, interests, and expectations and tailor the writing
accordingly. Additionally, the writer should consider the purpose of the piece,
such as to inform, persuade, or entertain, and ensure that the content and tone
align with the purpose.
The pre-writing stage is essential
because it sets the foundation for the rest of the writing process. It helps
the writer clarify their ideas, organize their thoughts, and identify gaps or
areas that need more research or development.
Drafting
Drafting is the second stage of the
writing process, during which a writer begins to put their ideas and
information into writing. In this stage, the writer takes the plan or outline
created during the pre-writing stage and begins to write a first draft. The
focus is on getting ideas down on paper or screen without worrying too much
about perfect grammar or structure. Here are some common activities that a
writer might engage in during the drafting stage:
Starting with a hook: The writer can begin the piece with an attention-grabbing sentence
or paragraph that hooks the reader's interest and sets the tone for the rest of
the piece.
Writing freely: The writer can use the plan or outline created in the pre-writing
stage to guide the writing, but they should also feel free to write without
constraints. The focus should be on generating content rather than editing or
revising.
Maintaining a consistent tone: The writer should aim to maintain a consistent tone throughout the
piece. This can include using a formal or informal tone, varying sentence
structure, and using appropriate vocabulary and language.
Writing to the audience: The writer should remember the intended audience when writing
the piece. They should use language and examples the audience can relate
to and understand.
Including details and examples: The writer should include specific details and examples to support
their ideas and make the piece more engaging and informative.
Using transitions: The writer should use transition words and phrases to connect
ideas and create a smooth flow between sentences and paragraphs.
Revising as needed: While the drafting stage focuses on generating the content,
the writer should also be willing to revise and edit as needed. This can
include making changes to the plan or outline, reordering paragraphs or
sentences, or deleting irrelevant or redundant content.
Overall, the drafting stage is a
crucial step in the writing process, as it provides the foundation for the rest
of the piece. By writing freely and focusing on generating the content, the writer
can create a first draft that can be revised and edited later to create polished and coherent writing.
Revising
The revising stage is the third step
in the writing process, during which a writer reviews and revises their initial
draft to improve its content, structure, and style. Revising involves making
significant changes to the writing, including adding, deleting, or moving
content and improving the piece's organization, coherence, and flow. Here
are some common activities that a writer might engage in during the revising
stage:
Reviewing the purpose and audience: The writer should review the purpose of the writing and ensure
that it aligns with the intended audience's needs and expectations. This can
involve changing the tone, style, and level of detail in writing.
Checking the organization and structure: The writer should review the organization and structure of the
piece and ensure that it is logical, coherent, and easy to follow. This can
involve reordering paragraphs or sections, adding transitions, and improving
the flow between sentences and paragraphs.
Clarifying the main point or thesis: The writer should review the main point or thesis of the piece and
ensure that it is clear, focused, and well-supported. This can involve
rephrasing the thesis, adding or deleting supporting evidence, and ensuring
that the content is relevant to the thesis.
Checking for consistency: The writer should review the writing for consistency in terms of
style, tone, and formatting. This can involve ensuring that the writer uses
consistent verb tenses, pronouns, and vocabulary and that headings, font sizes,
and margins are consistent throughout the piece.
Seeking feedback: The writer can seek feedback from peers, mentors, or editors to
gain an outside perspective on the writing. This can involve sharing the writing
with others and asking for constructive feedback on the piece's content, structure, and style.
Making revisions: Based on the feedback and review process, the writer can make
revisions to the initial draft. This can involve making significant changes to
the piece's content, structure, or style, and ensuring that the writing
meets the intended purpose and audience.
Overall, the revising stage is critical in the writing process, as it allows the writer to refine and
improve their initial draft. By reviewing the piece's content, structure, and style and making significant changes, the writer can create a more polished
and effective piece of writing.
Editing
The editing stage is the fourth step
in the writing process, during which a writer reviews and improves the piece's language mechanics, grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Editing involves
fine-tuning the writing to ensure it is clear, concise, and error-free.
Here are some common activities that a writer might engage in during the
editing stage:
Checking for spelling and
punctuation errors: The writer should review the
writing for spelling and punctuation errors, such as misspellings, missing
commas, or incorrect apostrophes. This can involve using spell-check software
or reading the writing aloud to catch errors.
Reviewing grammar and syntax: The writer should review the writing for grammatical errors, such
as subject-verb agreement, sentence fragments, and run-on sentences. This can
involve using grammar-check software or reviewing a grammar guide to identify
and correct errors.
Checking for clarity and
conciseness: The writer should review the
writing for clarity and conciseness, ensuring that the language is clear and
concise and avoids unnecessary repetition or wordiness. Rephrasing sentences or paragraphs can improve clarity and shorten the writing.
Reviewing formatting and style: The writer should review the formatting and style of the piece,
ensuring that it meets the intended audience's expectations and follows any
specific guidelines or requirements. This can involve ensuring that the writing
uses consistent formatting, such as font size and spacing, and follows any
specific style guides, such as APA or MLA.
Seeking feedback: The writer can seek feedback from peers, mentors, or editors to
gain an outside perspective on the writing. This can involve sharing the
writing with others and asking for constructive feedback on the piece's language mechanics, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
Making revisions: Based on the feedback and review process, the writer can make
revisions to the initial draft. This can involve making significant changes to
the piece's language mechanics, grammar, punctuation, and spelling and
ensuring the writing is error-free and meets the intended purpose and
audience.
Overall, the editing stage is a
crucial step in the writing process, as it allows the writer to refine and
improve the piece's language mechanics, grammar, punctuation, and spelling. By reviewing and fine-tuning the writing, the writer can create a more
polished and professional piece of writing that effectively communicates the
intended message.
Publishing
The publishing stage is the final
step in the writing process, during which a writer prepares the final version
of the piece for publication or distribution. This stage involves formatting,
proofreading, and submitting the final version of the writing to the intended
audience or publisher. Here are some common activities that a writer might engage
in during the publishing stage:
Formatting: The writer should ensure that the final version of the writing is
properly formatted according to the intended audience's expectations or the
publisher's guidelines. This can involve formatting the document to include
headers, footers, page numbers, margins, font styles and sizes.
Proofreading: The writer should review the final version of the writing for any
remaining errors, such as spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, or formatting
issues. This can involve proofreading software or reading the document
aloud to catch any remaining errors.
Submitting: The writer should submit the final version of the writing to the
intended audience or publisher. This can involve submitting the writing to a
literary agent for publication in a journal or magazine or
self-publishing the writing on a website or platform.
Marketing: If the writer is self-publishing, they should engage in marketing
activities to promote the writing and attract readers. This can involve
creating a website or social media presence, running advertising campaigns, or
reaching out to influencers or bloggers to promote the writing.
Building a following: If the writer publishes a book or series of works, they may
engage in activities to build a following or fan base. This can involve
attending book signings, creating a mailing list, or engaging with readers on
social media.
Overall, the publishing stage is a
critical step in the writing process, as it allows the writer to share their
work with a wider audience and gain recognition for their writing. By
formatting, proofreading, and submitting the final version, the writer can ensure that the writing meets the intended purpose and audience and is presented professionally and polishedly.
Check your understanding and answer
these questions in the comment section.
·
What
is the purpose of the pre-writing stage in the writing process? How does it
differ from the drafting stage?
·
Name
three strategies that can be used to generate ideas during the pre-writing
stage. Which strategy do you find most effective and why?
References
· Hacker, D., & Sommers, N. (2016). The Bedford handbook (10th ed.). Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's.
· Murray, D. M. (2012). Writing essays in English language and linguistics: Principles, tips and strategies for undergraduates. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
· Oliver, P. (2014). Writing your thesis (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
· Schafer, L., & Schimel, J. (2013). Writing science: How to write papers that get cited and proposals that get funded. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
·
Zinsser, W.
(2016). On writing well: The classic guide to writing nonfiction (30th
Anniversary ed.). New York: HarperCollins.
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32 Comments
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletePrewriting is anything you do before you write a draft of your paragraph. It includes thinking, notes, talking to others, brainstorming, outlining, and gathering information (such as interviewing people, researching in the library, assessing data).
ReplyDeletegood Hamza also add its difference with drafting stage. well done
DeleteQuestion 1
ReplyDeleteThe main purpose of pre-writing is to gather ideas, organize thoughts, and develop a structure or outline for the writing piece.The drafting stage, on the other hand, is the actual writing process where the writer uses the ideas and outline developed during pre-writing to create the first draft of the writing piece.
This comment has been removed by the author.
Deletewell done Marium
DeleteBrainstorming
ReplyDeletePurpose of writing
Research
Prewriting is the part of the writing process when the student works to determine the topic and the position or point-of-view for a target audience.
ReplyDelete1-The pre-writing stage is the most initial and important stage of writing. The purpose of this stage is to start thinking about the topic and create different ideas. By practicing this stage, a writer can improve his thinking capability. The difference between pre-writing stage and drafting stage is of writing down. In draftin, you've to note down all the points of brainstorming. Drafting stage requires more indepth details and efforts.
ReplyDelete2-Following three strategies can be used in pre-writing:
.Researching
.Outlining
.Considering audience
The last point is most effective because we should really consider the audience attention while writing a piece of work.
It is a way of planning.when you prewrite for paper ,you brainstorm and create ideas.This allow you to have a more organized start.
ReplyDeleteFreewriting
ReplyDeleteOutlining
Brainstorming
I Prefer brainstorming be because it may takes time but by brainstorming you can get great ideas to write on
Prewriting – in this stage, you plan what you are going to write. You choose your topic, identify your audience and purpose, brainstorm ideas, and organize your information. Drafting – in this stage, you start with a working thesis and then write your ideas in sentences and paragraphs.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2
ReplyDeleteThere are many strategies that can be used to generate ideas during the pre-writing stage.
listing all the possible ideas related to a particular topic
Free writing
creating a visual representation of your ideas
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletePorpose of pre-writing stage is to generate ideas and considering the scope of writing.Drafting stage is the process of arranging , selection , writing freely ,and tone of writing must be according to the audience and hence differ from pre-writing
ReplyDeletePre-writing is the first step, in which we think what we write in his article or a book. The most important parts of the pre-writing are brainstorming,cluster , enlist , tree and outlines. And drafting stage is the another step of the writing. Drafting in which we write their book or paragraphs with following the steps of the drafting like create hooks , writing freely and with good tone according to the audience. Difference is pre-writing is the thinking and researching process and drafting is the writing process.
ReplyDeleteAns#02
ReplyDelete1_Brainstroming
2_Drafting
3_Starting with hook
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteProcess of writing is built-up of ideas related to the topic which covers all scenarios.
Delete👀👀
Q no 2Following three strategies can be used in pre-writing:
ReplyDelete1 Researching
2 Outlining
3 Considering audience
The last point is most effective because we should really consider the audience attention while writing a piece of work.
M.Noor Ul Eman(406 Section F)
ReplyDeleteThe pre-writing stage help to generate and organize ideas for a piece of writing.Pre writing involves brainstorming, researching, and planning the structure and content of the piece of writing.In pre-writing you can make outline of your ideas.In other hand,drafting is the second stage of the writing process, in drafting writer begins to put their ideas and information into writing.
Ans no 1:
ReplyDeleteA piece of writing's purpose is to express oneself, to provide knowledge, to convince, or to create a literary work. There are four reasons why authors publish. Prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing are at least four distinct stages in the writing process. It's referred to as a recursive operation. You may need to go back to the prewriting step to build and broaden your ideas when revising.
This stage involve the brainstroming and planning the structure of the writing. Thinking of ourself.
ReplyDeleteB/W
This stage involve the information and ideas in the pre_writing stage.
Pre writing is basically used to built up mindset or base of topic, that involves collecting of ideas and structuring them in a patter
ReplyDeleteQuestion no 2:
ReplyDeleteThese are the following strategies that are used to generate most effective ideas in a pre writting stage:
No 1: You can use brainstorming alone or with your team. ...
No 2:Clustering, or mind-mapping. Clustering is another form of brainstorming that allows writers to map the concepts they have in mind to a bigger picture. ...
No 3:Freewriting. ...
Question 2.
ReplyDeleteMain parts of pre-writing are
1.Brainstorming
2.Researching
3.Observation
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteQuestion. No. 1
ReplyDeletePrewriting is anything you do before you write a draft of your document. It includes thinking, taking notes, talking to others, brainstorming, outlining, and gathering information, while on the other hand, drafting allows you to put your ideas on paper so you can rethink and rewrite them.
Question. No. 2
We can achieve the goal of gathering ideas through multiple pathways. The writer should have a keen understanding of the topic in question. Books , interviews, questionnaires, magazines, blogs and newspapers etc, are widely used to research about the topic.
Books may be an effective source to gather information and to provide a solid base for brainstorming. Books provide a fresh perspective of the topic
Ans:1 We collect ideas related to the topic called Brainstorming.After Brainstorming we collect or gather information about the topic.Its differ from the draffting stage because at drafting stage, we write down our gathered information
ReplyDeleteAns:2 The three stages are:-
Researching
Outlining
Brainstorming
In my point of view researching is most effective because it is easy to research related ideas.
Ans 2:
ReplyDelete-Freewritting
-Outlining
-Looping
Ans 2Q:-
ReplyDelete> Brainstorming
> Researching
> Create an outlines
> write freely
> Planning the structure
These are the most effective point of the pre-writing stage. We can write effectively using these sentences.