Oxford Dictionary Notes on 'The Writing Process'

 THE WRITING PROCESS 

1. PRELIMINARY PHASE

    Ask yourself some planning questions that wil help guide the rest of the process 

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS PIECE OF WRITING?

For example : 

1. To answer a specific essay, examination or research question 

2. To convince others of your point of view 

3. To communicate your knowledge or understanding to others, such as a teacher or an examiner. 

WHO IS MY AUDIENCE?

For example : 

1. A teacher or Professor 

2. Fellow student or colleague 

3. An employer 

4. The general public 

2. PRE-WRITING PHASE 

EXPLORE 

Brainstorming ideas using whatever method suits you best : 

1. Mind Maps

2. List of interpreting concepts, facts, questions, etc.

3. Conversation with colleagues 

RESEARCH

Next, researc your topic and gather information from a variety of sources :

1. Books and Journals 

2. The media 

3. Websites 

4. Interviews and questionaires 

5. Scientific studies

[When you read sources, take detailed notes and keep an accurate record of each source]. 

ORGANIZE

After carrying out your research, you can draft a thesis(your main argument, statement or idea) to guide you. 

[Then, using your notes, make a detailed outline of the logical plan of your essay, article or report to support this thesis, giving a structure to your writing before you begin to write].

1. Decide roughly how many words you will give to each part of your essay/report. 

2. Collect or prepare any visual aids such as charts or diagrams that you might need. 

3. WRITING PHASE

In this phase, you will draft and revise several times until you have what you consider to be a final draft. 

DRAFT

Write your draft in formal sentences and paragraphs.

1. Remain focuseedon your thesis or main idea. If you do change this, go back and adapt your original plan to ensure that your essay/report continues to support the new thesis.

2. Follow your outline, modigying it if necessary.

3. In early drafts, concentrate on structure rather than spelling and punctuation 

REVIEW & EDIT 

In this step, you read your writing with a critical eye. 

In early drafts, Ask yourself :

1. Have you answered the question or achieved your original purpose?

2. Have you introduced your subject, developed it logically and come to a conslusion?

3. Is your supporting evidence appropriate and complete? Do you need more examples, statistics or quotes?

4. Have you used headings to help the reader, if appropriate? 

5. Are the relationships between ideas clear and clearly signalled to the reader?

6. Is each part the right length for the demands of the topic - with no part too long?