1. The Writing Process

2. What is Prewriting?

3. Introduction The first step in writing is having something to write about. During prewriting you do the following: Find a subject. Select a topic. Gather details. Write a focus statement. Write topic sentences. Create an outline.

4. Subjects & Titles

5. Finding a Subject If you do not have an assigned subject, you can find one using a "Basics of Life List.“ Read through the list. Choose a subject area that fits your assignment. Think about specific topics for each subject area.

6. Selecting A Topic A cluster can help you narrow your general subject to find a specific topic. Start creating a cluster by drawing a oval in the center of a sheet of paper. Write a general subject in the first oval. Write more specific ideas in connected ovals. Continue until you find a specific topic that fits your assignment.

7. Ideas & Details

8. Gathering Details Different types of writing require different strategies for gathering details. Time lines work well for narratives. KWL charts work well for expository and persuasive essays. Gathering grids work well for research reports.

9. Using A Timeline A time line can help you put the events of a narrative in order. Write time-indicator words in the left-hand column. Write events in the right-hand column. To see the time line template, click here.here

10. Using A KWL Chart A KWL chart can help you gather details for an expository essay or a persuasive essay. The letters KWL stand for what you Know, what you Wonder about, and what you Learn. In the first row, write what you already know. In the second row, write questions you wonder about. In the third row, write answers you learned. To see the KWL chart template, click here.here

11. Using A Gathering Grid A gathering grid can help you organize information for a research report. Fill in the subject box. Write your questions in the left-hand column. Write titles of your sources at the top of each column. Write answers you find and note where you found them. To see the gathering grid template, click here.here

12. Using Research Sources Here are some suggested sources for a research report: Books Magazines Internet Sites Documentaries Personal Interviews

13. Focus Statements

14. Understanding Focus Statements A focus statement is a sentence that tells what the writing is about. There are two kinds of focus statements. Thesis statement: used in narrative and expository essays and research reports. Opinion statement: used in persuasive essays.

15. Writing a Thesis Statement An effective thesis statement names your topic and tells what specific part you will focus on. Ex. Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms. Topic Specific Focus Topic Specific Focus Effective Thesis Statement

16. Writing An Opinion Statement An effective opinion statement names your topic and tells your opinion about it. EX. Topic Since tornadoes cause millions of dollars in damage each year, the government should spend more to predicting them. Main Focus Topic Your Opinion Effective Opinion Statement

17. Topic Sentences

18. Understanding Topic Sentences A topic sentence is a sentence that guides the content of a paragraph. Each topic sentence in an essay does two things: 1.It supports the essay's focus statement. 2.It deals with one main point.

19. Writing Topic Sentences To create topic sentences, do the following: 1.List main points about the essay's focus. 2.Choose the points that can be supported with details. 3.Write each main point as a topic sentence.

20. Outlines

21. Outlining Your Writing An outline can help you organize information in expository or persuasive writing. 1.Under the Research and Brainstorming category, there is an outline template that you can use as a starting point. Go to Learning Essentials, then Research and Brainstorming. 2.Open the Outline template, then replace the instructions with the appropriate information.Outline template

22. Reviewing a Sample Outline Here is a sample outline for the paper about tornadoes. With a completed outline, the writer is ready for the next part of the process: writing a first draft. Tornadoes are natures most violent storms. I. Tornadoes form when two masses of air meet and battle in the sky. A. Warm, moist air and cold, dry air collide and form updrafts. B. A large rotating thunderhead called a supercell forms. C. A vortex (funnel) takes shape inside the supercell and reaches for the ground. D. Once the funnel touches the ground, it is a tornado. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

23. Reviewing a Sample Outline (contd.) II. Tornadoes cause damage with high winds, low pressure, and hail storms. A. Winds of more than 250 mph hurl debris as missiles. B. Low pressure rips roofs off buildings. C. Pea-size to grape-fruit size hail smashes cars and buildings. III. A few simple precautions can help people stay safe during a tornado. A. Create and agree upon a plan to follow incase of a tornado. B. Find a place without windows, preferably a room in a basement or a closet in the middle of the house.