Writing Center

The Writing Center

Steps up the ladder to writing success. 

Step 1: Who are you writing for? Why? 
What's the point of all this writing anyway?

Think about who you're writing for. Are you writing for your teacher? For your classmates? For your grandma or dad? Consider this when you're writing. A piece of writing for your dog might be a lot different than the writing you want to turn into me. 

Something else to think about: context and purpose. Why are you writing this piece? Under what circumstances? This will largely determine the tone of your piece. Is it academic? Sassy? Professional? Friendly? 

Step 2: What kind of writing am I trying to achieve?
Hmm...I better find examples of how I want to write this. Maybe I can learn from them. 

Now that you've decided why and for whom you're writing this assignment, it's a good idea to look at past ways that the writing you are aiming for has been accomplished. Do some research, or check out our in-class examples of different pieces. 

Here are some examples of: 

Persuasive writing

Narrative writing

Creative writing 

Literary Analysis

Research writing

Business writing

Step 3: Okay, okay, but how do I actually start writing?

In this class, we're going to be using a process writing approach instead of a product approach. This means that our writing is centered around brainstorming, planning, drafting, and editing, among other things. We're more concerned with how we write than what we produce. This concern will eventually lead us to a better product, anyway. We are practicing a means of learning, not a product.

Step 4: Goals

What are you trying to achieve with this assignment? What goals do you have for your writing?

This does not mean: I want to get a better grade on this assignment than the last one. Some examples may include: "I want to write include six solid transition statements in my essay," "I want to limit myself to only three passive verbs," or "I want to find four supports and use four quotes for each supporting argument."

Your goals should be S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-sensitive.)

While you're at it, take a look at the rubric for some other goals. Maybe you didn't do as well in one area on the last assignment as you would have liked to; try to set a goal there. 

Step 5: Brainstorming

• In groups of 2-4, use the "Yes, and," strategy that we learned in class.
• Reminder: the "Yes, and," strategy involves grouping up and bouncing ideas off of each other. The idea is too add support, explanations, and evidence to what the previous person said. 
• Example: 
• "Draco Malfoy is a lot different than Harry Potter."
• "Yes, and he's seen as a foil to Harry."
• Other ways to brainstorm:
• Try summarizing what it is you would like to write about. Have a classmate read it over. What questions do they have? What suggestions would they make?
• Make a graphic organizer.
• Try cubing, aka, looking at your subject from multiple different angles.
• Describe it
• Compare it
• Associate it
• Analyze it
• Apply it
• Argue it.

Step 6: Planning

This stage may be different for many people. In one way or another, you want to begin to organize what you will write. For some, this means an outline. For others, it is a mental frame work of where they want to go.

• One thing is very essential: your thesis. Take a stand on your topic.
• Outline examples
• Your essay does not  have to be a five-paragraph essay. You just have to make a point and support it with examples from research or the text we are reading. Be creative.
• Try out the Essay Map app to begin planning your paper!

Step 7: Drafting

• Come up with multiple different titles for your piece. Don't decide on one until you're finished with your paper.
• Remember the PEEL Method (Point, Evidence, Explain, Link)- Make your point, use evidence to support it, explain your evidence, and link it back to your thesis.
• It is also important to remember that your first draft will not be your final draft. Did you know that it took J.K. Rowling more than 15 drafts just to write the first chapter of Harry Potter? Great things take time.

Step 8: Editing

For this step, you will meet with your writing groups. If you need extra editing, I can pair you with someone in the class beyond your group.

• Exchange your papers in your group until everyone has read everyone else's pieces. 
• When looking over your group member's paper, look for: 
• Do the paragraphs and sentences flow well? Mark place it doesn't.
• Is the word choice accurate?
• Is everything clear? Does it make sense?
• Make note of spelling/grammar mistakes only if they stand out; do not focus on these. 
• Is their argument strong?
• Do they need more evidence?
• Do they explain their evidence?
• Do they bring it back to the main thesis?
• Go through and discuss the papers. 
• Give each person the PPC: plusses, potentials, and concerns. 
• Two good things, two things they could do to make it even better, and what stands out as unfitting. 

Step 9: Revising

Take note of the changes that your group has offered you. Fix what you would like, and then go over it once more. This would be the step where you might want someone in your group to read over it again. 

Keep fixing things until you feel satisfied. 


Step 10: Revisit your goals and your rubric. 
Did you meet your goals? Do you feel like you progressed in your writing skills?

Did you meet all of the goals of the assignment? Did you meet your own personal goals?

Writing will never be perfect, and it will never be complete. It is hard, but that's why we're practicing with these steps and in your groups. 

Before your turn your paper in, write 3-4 sentences reflecting on your writing on the back of your rubric. Did you improve? What did you struggle with? What felt easy?

If you write enough, writing will feel like breathing; simple, natural, and refreshing.