Writing Process Madeleine L’Engle Inspiration usually comes during work, rather than before it

Writing Process Maya 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 Process Maya 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 Process Generating 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 Process Pre-Writing Techniques  List/Brainstorm  Research  Ask Questions  Freewrite  Cluster Maps  Discussion

Writing Process Outline Thesis statement: I. Main Point One A. Supporting detail i. evidence, examples, opinions ii. evidence, examples, opinions B. Supporting detail II. Main Point Two III. Main Point Three

Writing an Introduction Basics It should catch readers’ attention It should present the essay’s thesis statement It should give readers an idea of what the essay will cover

Writing an Introduction Techniques Start with a surprising fact or idea Open with a quotation Give an example or tell a story Offer a strong opinion Ask a question

Writing a Conclusion Basics It should refer to your main point It should briefly summarize the support you have developed It should make a final observation It should NOT introduce new information

Writing a Conclusion Techniques Foresee the future by utilizing the information Give the reader something to think about Refer back to Intro techniques