The Writing Processand
6 Plus 1 Traits
“Writing allows you to penetrate your life and learn to trust your own mind.”
Natalie Goldberg
By Kathy Mraz
Problem: Ineffective Writing
Solution: Effective Writing
PrewriteThink, Think, Think …
Pre-Writing means “before writing”“Getting your thoughts down on paper”
• Choose a topic that interests you• Brainstorm or generate ideas for your topic• Focus on a main idea
Prewrite Cont.
Who is my audience? What is my purpose? What do I want to say? How do I want to say it? What graphic organizer will I use?”
WebbingVenn DiagramListingOutlining
Rough DraftWrite, Write, Write …
Drafting is putting your ideas and thoughts together
• “Are my thoughts organized?”• “In what order do I want to say my
ideas?”
•
Drafting cont. 1. Opening Paragraph:
Gain your reader’s attention Introduce your topic and main pointsIdentify your thesis
2. Middle Paragraphs:Each paragraph must support your thesisEach paragraph needs a topic sentence
3. Closing Paragraph:Restate thesisReview main pointsAnswer any remaining questions
Write – get your ideas down – don’t worry about errors
RevisingChange, Change, Change…
Make changes to your writing until you are
satisfied with what it says
• Improve your writing in the following ways:
Revising Cont. Revise for Ideas
Check for depthCheck for focus of each supporting paragraphCheck for clarity and completeness
Revise for OrganizationCheck the overall plan of writingCheck your openingCheck your closing
Revising Cont.Revise for Voice
Check your purposeRevise for Word Choice
Locate problems with word choiceUse the right level of language
Revise for Effective Sentence FluencyAvoid fragments and run-onsCheck for sentence length variation
Editing and ProofreadingFix, Fix, Fix…
Improve the readability and
accuracy of your writing
• Correct your writing
Publishing Cont.Ask yourself these questions before
handing in“Did I do my best work?”“Did I include a title (if needed)?”“Is my final copy neat?”
Show your BEST work!
Congratulations!
Ideas
A narrow topic, so it’s easy to write about
Clear and focused thoughts and ideasImportant details with good supportUse a fresh, original perspectiveWhen possible, write from experience
OrganizationA great introduction that makes you want to
read more (hook)A conclusion that ties it all together
(clincher)Body paragraphs deal with main points of the
topicUse logical and effective order, structure &
sequenceUse smooth transitions to emphasize main
pointsPlace supporting details where they are most
appropriate
Voice
Write honestly and from the heartInteract with the reader without
using YOUUse expression” to let your
personality shine throughUse language that brings the topic
to life
Word Choice Use words correctly and in the right
placeUse words that create a mental
pictureUse vivid verbs, specific nouns and
adjectivesAvoid repetition, slang, and clichés
Sentence Fluency An easy flow and rhythm throughout
the writingVary sentence beginning, structure,
and lengthSentences that encourage
expressive readingUse transitions (internal & external)
to promote cadence
ConventionsCorrect spelling on all wordsUse accurate and creative
punctuation and capitalizationCorrect grammar and languageMake sure paragraphs all work
togetherTurn in a clean, edited, and polished
final draft
SourcesWriters Inc. by Patrick Sebranek, Dave Kemper, & Verne
Meyer“The Writing Process” (
http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache:EUv1lZtltAsJ:missryan.mattmorris.com/writingprocess.ppt+The+Writing+Process+powerpoint&cd=5&hl=en&ct=clnk)
“The Writing Process” by Jason Lockhart (http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache:9MPh_zLov7cJ:www.lexington1.net/technology/instruct/ppts/LAppts/35/writingprocess1.ppt+The+Writing+Process+powerpoint+lockhart&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk)
“The 6 Traits of Writing” by Jennifer Heidl-Knobloch & Jody Drake (http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache:cY5HrFo57MEJ:fvwp.uwosh.edu/writings/2005writings/jenniferheidl-knoblochjodydrakepro.ppt+The+6+Traits+of+Writing+Heidl-Knobloch&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk)
“6 plus 1 Writing Traits” by Mrs. Johnson (http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache:H9fL0S-J314J:216.101.58.17/ms/eajohnson/6_plus_1_Writing_Traits%255B1%255D.ppt+6+plus+1+writing+traits+johnson&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk)
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