Writing Center Workshops:Prewriting Methods

Alexandra AlberdaWriting Center Mentor

The Writing ProcessPrewriting Planning Drafting Revising Proofreading

Prewriting is the thinking stage. It starts when you get your assignment and can be returned to throughout your writing process.

Five Quick Takes on Writing1. Take it one step at a time.2. Take it seriously.3. Take it easy.4. Take it to the limit.5. Take it with you.

Prewriting: “Gathering the Ingredients”Once you are given a paper topic your mind

starts to gather information. Prewriting methods can help “jump-start” your writing process by gathering your thoughts and getting them into a written draft.

During this time, you can also be narrowing down your topic and/or which argument you are supporting.

Key Elements of PrewritingApproachDirection (thesis) or ShapingNO revisionFocusing on specific/relevant details

Prewriting MethodsBrainstorming, a listing technique

Single listTwo-sided list (pros/cons)

FreewritingStream-of-consciousnessFocused Freewriting

Invisible Writing, a computer technique

Prewriting MethodsClustering

Porcupine clusterMolecule cluster

OutliningCan be anything from a few words jotted down

or it may include the thesis statement, topic sentences, a basic listing of research, etc.

Journal Writing, daily writing

Why Prewriting is Important1. It opens a doorway to your thoughts.2. It helps prevent writer’s block.3. It builds confidence.4. It sparks creativity.5. It tells you when to quit.

BibliographyArlov, P. (2012). Wordsmith: A guide to

college writing (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

Arlov, P. (2012). Wordsmith: A guide to paragraphs & short essays (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

Questions or Comments?

If you would like to learn more or send us ideas our email is Writing.Center@briarcliff.edu or alexandra.alberda@briarcliff.edu