At a loss for words?
214 Evans Library | 205 West Campus Librarywritingcenter.tamu.edu | 979-458-1455
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The Writing Process
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Prewrite“Of a good
beginning cometh a good end.”
– John Heywood
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What Does the Assignment
Say?
What Do You Want to
Say?
• Read carefully.
• Highlight key terms.
• Ask questions.
• Use what you know.
• Choose a topic of interest.
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Topic vs. ThesisTopicWhat you arewriting about
ThesisYour claim, argument, or recommendation
Frank L. Baum’s use of political symbolism in The Wizard of Oz
Baum’s use of a yellow brick road can be viewed as commentary on the gold standard debate, a heated political issue at the end of the 19th century.
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Listing1.Write down every idea
you have.2.Stuck? Put on a timer.3.Look for patterns of
thoughts.4.Group material left
over in categories.5.Elaborate.
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Clustering1. Start with the
middle circle and write a topic.
2. Write down random ideas. Use lines to connect these ideas.
3. See if there is one “cluster” of ideas and start from there.
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Freewriting1. Write quickly
without stopping, 5-10 minutes.
2. Can’t think of anything? Write “I’m stuck, I can’t think of anything!”—you will at least be moving your pen.
3. Keep writing.4. Read what you did.
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Recording
Keep a notebook at all times—you never know when ideas will come to you.
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ResearchingLibrary Databases There are thousands of academic articles located here.
TAMU LibrariesHas an extensive collection of books, newspaper articles, magazines, and journals
InstructorsCan help change a topic into a thesis.
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Library ServicesSubject LibrariansThe Evans Library has a librarian for every major at Texas A&M
AskUs ServicesAsk questions about research, request an appointment with a subject librarian, find help with library services
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Take careful notes. Keep track of all of your sources.
Avoid plagiarizing. Make a distinction between direct quotes and paraphrased information in your notes.
Research Tips
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The First Draft
I never know what I think about something until I read what I’ve written on it.
— William Faulkner
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Organization
Decide on length and organization based on the assignment’s purpose, audience, and thesis.
Use an outline, list, or a rough draft to begin.
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Captures your audience’s interest
Provides background on your subject
States your thesis
Introduction
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Restates your argument
Recommends a solution or states why your argument matters
Conclusion
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Revise“The first draft reveals the art; revision reveals the artist.”
—Michael Lee
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Another Pair of Eyes
Who can give you feedback?
• Your instructor or TA• A University Writing
Center consultant• A friend or classmate• A relative
For More Help…
Visit our website or call us to schedule an appointment.
We can help you at any stage in the writing process!
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214 Evans Library | 205 West Campus Librarywritingcenter.tamu.edu | 979-458-1455
We’ll help you find the write words.
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