Writing: Process & Characteristics
The Writing Process
Writing is a process. Strong writers don’t publish the very first thing they put down on
the paper. They go through several steps to make sure they are doing their very best
writing.
There are 5 steps in the writing process:
➔ Step 1: Brainstorming
During this step, writers think about all the ideas they have for their writing. They
might use a web or graphic organizer to jot down their ideas.
➔ Step 2: Drafting
During this step; writers start to write with their final piece in mind. They begin writing
their ideas in order.
➔ Step 3: Revising
During this step, writers reread what they have written. They might add some details
or change the order of things.
➔ Step 4: Editing
During this step, writers check their writing for any mechanical errors they might have
made. It’s their final check.
➔ Step 5: Publishing
During this step, writers rewrite their piece one final time to share it with their readers.
The Writing Process Step 1: Brainstorming
When you brainstorm, you get all of your ideas about a future writing project down on paper.
This helps you determine which direction you want to take your writing.
You can brainstorm in a variety of ways.
You can make a list You can make a web
When you make a list, you generate a variety of ideas You can use a web to help you brainstorm specific
you might like to write about. You can always revisit details about a story or a topic you plan on writing
your list when you need a new idea for writing. about. A web can help you get EVERYTHING you
know down on paper before you begin writing.
Example:
Example:
My future writing ideas:
- OTP first hate each other, then fall in love
- My pet Carrot was found
- Moving out to a new city
- My date is actually a serial killer
- Antagonist’s mom comes visit her
- ...
The Writing Process Step 2: Drafting
When you draft your writing, you are expanding your ideas into complete sentences. It is the
first time you are going through and writing out your ideas with your final version in mind.
Keep the following in mind when you are drafting:
➔ Use your brainstorm notes
You want to make sure that you are following your plan for you writing. You spent
time brainstorming your writing piece, so be sure to use your notes.
➔ Expand your ideas into sentences
When you are writing a draft, you are only writing in complete sentences. Make sure
each sentence you write has a complete thought.
➔ Write paragraphs with 3-5 sentences
When you a drafting, you will create paragraphs around the same event or idea. Be
sure to include enough details to get 3-5 sentences.
➔ Skip lines
It is helpful to skip lines while you draft. This will make revising and editing so much
easier.
➔ Reread your draft frequently
You want to reread your draft while you are writing. This will help you make sure you
are getting the right ideas on the paper.
The Writing Process Step 3: Revising
When you revise, you want to refine your writing. You want to make sure you are clearly
communicating your ideas to you reader. To help you revise, think ARMS!
❏ Add sentences to clarify meaning.
A ❏ Add words that are more descriptive.
❏ Add figurative language to make you writing interesting to the reader.
Add
❏ Remove sentences that aren’t necessary.
R ❏ Remove incomplete sentences.
❏ Remove words that are boring or redusant.
Remove
❏ Move sentences that don’t belong.
M ❏ Move adjectives so they describe nouns and adverbs so they
describe verbs.
Move
❏ Trade exciting words for boring words.
S ❏ Use a thesaurus to find synonyms for overused words.
Substitute
The Writing Process Step 4: Editing
When you edit, you want to clean up your writing. You want to read through it carefully.
Your goal is to find any mistakes before you publish. To help you edit, think CUPS!
❏ The first letter of every sentence is capitalized.
C ❏
❏
❏
Proper nouns are capitalized.
Dates are capitalized.
Titles are capitalized.
Capitalization
❏ Subject verb agreement is correct.
U ❏
❏
❏
Plurals are used correctly.
All adverbs describe verbs.
All adjectives describe nouns.
Usage
❏ End punctuation is correct (periods, question marks, exclamation
P points).
❏ Quotation marks are properly used for all thoughts & dialogue.
❏ Commas are used appropriately.
Punctuation
❏ Check through all words closely.
S ❏ Try your hardest to find in errors.
❏ Use a dictionary, the word wall or have a buddy check words you
aren’t certain are spelled correctly.
Spelling
The Writing Process Step 5: Publishing
When you publish, you are writing your piece for the final time. Your goal is to create a
perfect piece of writing. To help you publish, think FLASH!
Flash:
F ❏ You should have 3-5 paragraphs: 1. Introduction
2. 1-3 Body Paragraphs
3. Conclusion
Looks:
L ❏ Include illustrations or a title page that a appealing to look at.
Accuracy:
A ❏ Accurately copy your revised and edited draft to your final copy.
Spacing:
S ❏ Make sure there is even spacing between all your words.
❏ Create an even margin on both sides.
Handwriting:
H ❏ Use the nearest handwriting.
❏ Make sure your letters are appropriate sizes and shapes.
Characteristics of Strong Writing
As a writer, you want your writing to be awesome. If you think about VOICES as you
are writing, you can guarantee you’ll become a strong writer.
Think about VOICES every time you write:
➔ Voice
Let your personality shine in your writing.
➔ Organization
Use a plan to guide your writing.
➔ Ideas
Share an important or interesting message.
➔ Conventions
Follow all grammar and spelling rules.
➔ Expanded Vocabulary
Use specific and descriptive words.
➔ Sentence Fluency
Make your writing smooth and fluid.
Voice
Voice refers to the overall sound of your paper. As a writer, you want your writing to actually
sound like you wrote it.
Remember: Let your personality shine through in your writing. Make it your own it!
When you have a strong voice:
➔ Your writing sounds like you.
➔ You write from the heart.
➔ You write for your audience.
➔ It sounds like you are talking to your reader.
➔ You share your personal thoughts and opinions.
➔ You let your reader know how you feel about something.
➔ You share personal stories.
➔ You let your personality shine.
Organization
Organization refers to how you write on paper. It is important to use a structure or write in
sequence.
Remember: Write in a logical way. Make a plan before you begin and then write your plan!
When you have a strong organization:
➔ You do some brainstorming before you begin writing.
➔ Your writing is focused.
➔ Your writing makes sense.
➔ Your writing has a beginning, a middle and an end.
➔ You use transition words.
➔ You have an introduction and a conclusion.
➔ You include all important ideas in your writing.
Ideas
Ideas refers to what you are actually writing about. It is important to write about something
that is important or interesting to you or your reader.
Remember: You are sharing a big idea with your reader. Include enough details so they
understand your writing.
When you have strong ideas:
➔ Your writing is important and interesting.
➔ Your writing has a main idea.
➔ You are communicating an important message to your reader.
➔ You include important details.
➔ You “show” your readers and not just tell them.
➔ You have a lot of knowledge and experience to share with your readers.
Conventions
Conventions refers to the mechanics of what you are writing. It is important to follow all
grammar, spelling and formulating rules.
Remember: Make sure your writing is free of errors. This will make it easier for your readers
to read.
When you have strong conventions:
➔ You follow all capitalization rules.
➔ You use correct punctuation.
➔ Your words are spelled correctly.
➔ You correctly indent your paragraphs.
➔ You follow all grammar rules.
➔ You have spaces in the correct places.
➔ You use nice handwriting.
➔ Your writing is easy to read.
Expand Vocabulary
Expand vocabulary refers to the words you choose to incorporate into your writing. It is
important to use descriptive words and words your reader understands.
Remember: Use a variety of specific words to keep your reade engaged in your writing.
When you expand your vocabulary:
➔ You use specific describing and action words in your writing.
➔ You use words your reader will know and understand.
➔ You use synonyms for commonly used words.
➔ You incorporate figurative language.
Sentence Fluency
Sentence fluency refers to how easy it is for your reader to read your sentences. It is
important for your sentences to flow from one to the other.
Remember: Write like you are talking with your reader. Make some sentences short and
other a little longer.
When you have strong sentence fluency:
➔ You write using complete sentences.
➔ Your writing sounds like you are talking with your reader.
➔ Your writing is smooth and easy to read.
➔ Your sentences are different lengths: some are short and some are long.