Preparing to Write Comm Arts I Mr. Wreford

Preparing to Write Prewriting –The best defense against writer’s block. –The first step in the writing process. –Sorting out your thoughts on a topic. –Finding out what you have to say about it. –May include narrowing your topic. –Prewriting methods can jump-start the writing process.

Preparing to Write Prewriting Methods –Brainstorming: A listing technique. Easy. List whatever comes to mind on your topic. Don’t worry if they’re right or wrong. Turn to page 17 in your text.

Preparing to Write Prewriting Methods –Freewriting: Nonstop writing on a topic for a set time. Your flow of words never ceases. If you have nothing to say, repeat your last thought. Don’t worry; just write. Turn to page 18 in your text.

Preparing to Write Prewriting Methods –Invisible Writing: A Computer Technique: Freewriting technique for a computer. Type the words “Invisible Writing” at the top of the page. Turn your monitor off. Freewrite for five or ten minutes.

Preparing to Write Prewriting Methods –Clustering: Designed to boost your creativity by stimulating both hemispheres of the brain. Left side: logical side. Right side: creative side. Begin with a circled word (your topic) and map out associations. See page 20 for examples.

Preparing to Write Prewriting Methods –Narrowing Your Topic: The Topic-Subtopic Method: Write down the topic. List possible subtopics. Look over the list of subtopics and pick the one you are most interested in. This subtopic now becomes your topic. Repeat the process until you have narrowed your topic to an appropriate size for a paragraph.

Preparing to Write Prewriting Methods –Outlining: Often the last step in the prewriting process. May just be a few words. May be a topic sentence and a brief listing of support.

Preparing to Write Journal Writing –Journals are “daily writings.” –Usually informal writings on a variety of topics. –Allows you to experiment with the techniques you are learning. –For credit or not, make it a habit.