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 Techniques  List/Brainstorm  Research  Ask Questions  Freewrite  Cluster Maps  Discussion

Writing Process Outline Thesis statement: Controlling Idea Issue/Topic + Your Position/Opinion One Sentence

Writing Process Outline I. Key Point i. Explanation, example, detail ii. Explanation, example, detail II. Key Point i. Explanation, example, detail ii. Explanation, example, detail III. Key Point i. Explanation, example, detail ii. Explanation, example, detail

Writing an Introduction Basics  It should catch readers’ attention  It should give background info on topic  It should present the thesis statement  It should preview the major points

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 thesis  It should briefly summarize the major points  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