The Process of Writing - the How-to Guide

This is a how-to guide to understand to process of writing an article and make it easy to do so!

1.Topic:
Select what you would like to write about. The ideas for your topic should be clear and well difined. Brainstorming is always a great place to start.

2.Research:
Gather facts to support your statements or opinions.

3.Format:
The requirements for writing a letter, an essay, a speech, or a journal are different. Choose your format and follow its requirements.

4.Purpose:
Your purpose will focus your writing. Are you writing to inform, to entertain, to instruct, or to pursuade your audience?

5.Audience:
Your choice of words and writing style will be shaped by your audience. Are you writing for students, younger chrildren, or adults?

6.Outline:
Write your thesis (topic) statement clearly. Then write your sub-topics in a logical order that leads to a conclusion.

7.Point of View:
Determine the point of view (ex. I, he/she, ect..) from which you will write. Your understanding of a topic may increase when you consider different points of view.

8.Rough Draft:
Write a rough that follows your outline, keeping your audience and point of view in mind. Each paragraph should deal with only one main idea. Your composition should follow a logical order to a conclusion.

9.Edit and Revise:
Check your work for spelling and formatting. Revisethe content if necessary. Proofread carefully.

10.Sources:
DO NOT PLAGARIZE. Give source for all quotes, facts, and ideas thta are not your own. Use footnotes and/or a bibliography or "works cited" page.

11.The Final Draft:
Prepare a neat, final copy for submission. Be proud of your work!

Tip: When you take notes, immediately jot down the title of the work, the author, the publisher, and the date published. This saves time later!