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The Process of Writing

By

HAI NGUYEN(HEC VN006)

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Step 1: Generate Ideas

Generate ideas from reading

Generate ideas from background experience

Brainstorm

Freewrite

Map ideas

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Step 2: Select a Topic

Select a topic from the ideas you generated

Explore subtopics--break down the ideas

Formulate questions

Freewrite on ideas by responding to some of

your questions

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Step 3: Construct a Thesis

Statement Select an idea or a problem that you can

defend, develop, discuss, or support

Selecting a question that can be answered is

a great starting point to developing a thesis

Spell out the idea in one sentence!

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Thesis Statement Facts

A thesis statement is often referred to as the

main idea, the central idea, or the main point.

A thesis is a position, a belief, an opinion

that can be developed into an essay.

A thesis is generally one sentence long.

A thesis must be phrased as clearly as

possible to help you stay focused.

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Thesis Statement Facts (cont.)

The thesis statement is the most essential

component of an essay. It is what you will

work on proving throughout your paper. The thesis statement must be included in the

introduction to set the stage for the paper.

The thesis gives an essay direction and focus. Everything that appears in the body must

relate directly to the introduction.

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Step 4: Collect Evidence

Collect information that will help you prove

your thesis and support your point or position.

Evidence or support must be specific; it must

support the thesis statement.

Support can be life experiences, facts,

examples, explanations, descriptions, etc.

Record the information in an organized

manner to plan the structure of your paper.

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Organization of Support

Support again refers to the body of your

paper. It is the information that you will use

to support your thesis (main point).

Organize your support in a manner that

helps make your point stronger.

Chronological order

Order of importance

Logical order

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Step 5: Revise the thesis

Dependent on what evidence you collected,

you may have to revise your thesis.

Do not be afraid to change your topic if you

are having difficulty finding strong support.

Make sure you recognize what a good thesis

statement is.

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Recognizing Thesis Statements

This paper is going to cover the causes and

effects of homelessness.

I would like to share with my readers a

tragic, but unforgettable experience I had.

Final exams must be abolished.

Homelessness is a major problem in our

country that ought to be addressed.

Note: The first two sentences are NOT thesis statements, as they donot reflect a position or opinion on a topic.

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Step 6: Write a Draft

Allow a big block of time for writing your

paper--at least three to four hours.

Write in a controlled frenzy.

Do not worry about perfection of wording.

Do not worry about sentence structure and

mechanical errors at this stage.

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Step 7: Revise your First Attempt

Read your first draft slowly.

Go through your paper and slowly revise

the phrasing of your ideas to ensure that

your points are clear.

Review the organization of your support

and make sure your points flow well.

Finally, review your paper for obvious

grammar and spelling errors.

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Now, you have something decent to

share with others for feedback!

Have others read your paper (perhaps aloud), people

whose opinion you value.

See whether they can find your main point.

Examine the flow and organization of the paper.

Look for clarity and precision of your language.

Examine the validity of your support (body).

Look at the development of each paragraph.

Examine the paper for unity. Do all points relate?

Help with grammar is always welcome. :-)

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Step 9: Edit your Final Draft

Read your paper aloud for punctuation

errors. Pauses and stops, for example, can

provide you with all kinds of information.

Spell check your paper!

Avoid slang or trite expressions.

Avoid contractions, such as its or wont.

Follow all guidelines provided by your

instructor (title page, spacing, fonts, etc.)

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Submit your final draft!

If you followed these steps, regardless of

your grade, you should be proud. You are

on your way to becoming a better writer!

The End