Writing
Karly Connolly
The Writing Proccess
Brainstorming
Brainstorming is when you pick a topic, and jot down everything that comes to your mind.
Prewriting
During prewriting, you will use the brainstorming list you created earlier. It is easiest to use a "T" table to organize your thoughts.
T Table
A T table is very helpful when prewriting. It has six chunks, 3 on each side. Above the boxes is where you put you topic. You also put the topic below the boxes. On the boxes on the left is where you put you main ideas and on the right is the details about your main idea.
Compose/Rough Draft
Composing is when you use the information from the T table. Just turn the words into sentences! Remember... the first time won't be the best- just get it down.
Evaluate
While evaluating, use a chart with spaces for each sentence. For the columns I recommend
- Sentence #(1,2,3,ect)
- Fist word
- # of words
- Good word choice
- Iffy spelling
Revise
Revising is when you reread your writing and find sentences that just don't work. Take out those sentences all together or change the wording.
Edit
Editing is the time when, once you think your writing's wording is the best it can be, read through again and look for convention mistakes.
Publish
Publishing is the step when you either share, email, or hand it in to your teacher.
The Writing Process
6 Traits of Writing
Ideas
During prewriting and brainstorming is when you will use Ideas the most. During ideas you come up with the best ideas for your topic you can come up with.It is important to:
- Choose a topic that interests you and fits your assignment.
- Include details such as facts, statistics, examples, thoughts and feelings.
Organization
Organization is when you organize your thoughts. When you do your T table and first draft, you use the color coding scheme:
- Topic Sentences-GREEN- Topic sentences are green because they tell us to GO.
- Main Ideas-YELLOW- Main Ideas are yellow because they tell us to slow down and read carefully.
- Details/Tell Me More-RED- Details are red because they tell us to stop and include everything we need to.
- Conclusion-GREEN- Conclusions are green because they match the topic sentence and complete the circle.
Voice
To have a good writing voice speak in an engaging way that keeps your reader wanting more.
Word Choice
Using good word choice is important when writing. To do so:
- Use specific nouns and verbs.
- Use exciting adjectives/adverbs.
- And if you can't think of any good words, use a thesaurus!
Sentence Fluency
To have good sentence fluency:
- Combine short, choppy sentences into larger, smoother ones.
- Use a variety of sentence beginnings and lengths.
- Use simple, compound, and complex sentences.
- More is not always better.
Conventions
Conventions are tricky, but important. Always proof-read and check for the following:
- COPS
- C- Capitals
- O- Overall appearance
- P- Punctuation
- S- Spelling
Types of Sentences
Topic Sentences
Core 4
- Simple statement- State something about your topic.
- Question- Ask a question-but not one that can be answered yes/no.
- Number statement- State a number about your topic.
- Situation/Stance- Is a two part sentence. Part 1) Broadly introduces your topic. Part 2) Clearly state states viewpoint on topic.
Main Ideas
In your main idea sentences, make a general statement about the topic. The details will give the most information. A main idea should have a transition word (or phrase) such as:
- Also
- In addition
- however
- First
- To begin
- Ect.
Details
After the main idea, you should always state two or three details about the main idea. Be specific, and make sure the details are clear.
Conclusions
A good conclusion is always going to match you topic sentence. It shouldn't be exactly the same, but pretty close. Change a few words and you have a successful conclusion! Make sure it wraps up your paragraph but can also slide into another one.