The writing process starts with the writer getting an idea for what to write about. This is called thinking of a topic. Once a topic is chosen the writer must decide what he wants to write about the topic. This is called making an assertion. The topic sentence states both the topic and the assertion. The topic sentence is usually used to start a paragraph. A paragraph is a group of sentences that focus on one idea - and that idea is expressed in the topic sentence.
When the topic sentence is placed at the beginning of a paragraph, the topic sentence functions as an introduction for the paragraph. However, sometimes the topic sentence can be used as a summary of the idea, in which case it is placed at the end of a paragraph.
Next, the writer brainstorms on the topic and writes notes on every idea. After that, the writer organizes the notes and outlines the flow of the composition. Then he or she writes a first draft. The writer then edits the rough draft, improving the content of composition. The writer writes a second draft.
Steps in the Process of Writing a Composition
Step 1: Get an idea!
The writing process begins when the writer gets an idea for what to write about. This is called the topic
A good way to start the ideas flowing so that you can choose a topic is by asking yourself, "What exactly do I want to write about?" Once you've chosen the topic you should ask yourself, "What do I want to write about it?"
Step 2: Brainstorm about your topic and write some notes.
Brainstorming is talking about the topic and writing down anything and everything that relates to the topic. When you brainstorm it is important to relax and let the ideas flow. Don't judge if an idea is good or bad, just write down anything that relates to the topic.
A good way to start brainstorming is to use the question words who, what, when, where, why, and how.
Brainstorming can be done all alone, but usually you get more ideas by brainstorming with a few of your classmates. When you brainstorm with your classmates it doesn't matter what language you use. Just let the ideas flow and you should generate a lot of different ideas. You can write the ideas in English latter.
Brainstorming is the easiest part of the writing process. If you can't fill a page with ideas then you should select another topic. It is easier to write if you have a lot of ideas about the topic.
Step 3: Organize! Put your notes in order. Outline the flow of your composition.
Organizing your composition is one of the most important steps in the writing process. We have all read compositions that don't seem to make sense. These compositions read like nonsense because they are poorly organized.
This should make you aware of the importance of organization. Fortunately, organization is a skill that you can learn.
First, organize your notes and put similar ideas into groups. Label each group.
Next, make an outline.
An outline helps you organize your ideas and information clearly and easily. When you make an outline you should consider which of your ideas from brainstorming best support your topic. Throw out the ideas that aren't important. Then organize the important ideas in an order that is easy for the reader to follow. This will help your reader to understand and make sense of your composition.
Ways to organize an outline.
Three of the most common ways to organize an outline are: chronological (by time order); topical (by topic); and, by order of importance.
An example of a composition organized chronologically (by time order) is a history of someone or something. When you organize the outline for a history you write what happened first, what happened second, what happened third, and so on.
Topic:
Topic Sentence:
Supporting Point #1
A. Supporting detail
B. Supporting detail
Supporting Point #2
A. Supporting detail
B. Supporting detail
Supporting Point #3
Concluding sentence
Step 4: Write a first draft
Using your outline as guide, write the first draft (also known as the, rough draft). Write the first draft without worrying about grammar, spelling or punctuation. Think about the topic and the flow of the story. Then relax, and write your first draft.
Step 5: Edit
Carefully read your first draft.
Edit the content of your draft. Does your writing clearly communicate what you want to say?
Have you included all the important information? If you have left out some important information, then add the appropriate details.
Is there some information that you have included that is not important? If you have written some information that isn't important in understanding your topic, then throw that material out.
Many writers like to take a break, or even wait until the next day, to edit and rewrite their compositions. This allows them to come back to their composition with a fresh mind.
Step 6: Rewrite
Rewrite your first draft and make the changes that you feel will improve your composition.
Step 7:Edit again
The writer then edits again, this time not only reviewing the content, but also correcting the grammar, spelling and punctuation.
Step 8: Rewrite again
The cycle of editing and rewriting continues until the writer is satisfied that the composition reads well and communicates the topic to the reader.
Finish!
More tips on writing:
Your Topic: In choosing a topic it is a good idea to write about things you know about and things that interest you. If you write about a topic that you are interested in, it makes writing more fun.
Editing your first draft
Take a break after you've written your first draft. Many writers like to write their first draft and then wait until the next day to edit. That lets you return to your writing with a fresh mind, and often it enables you to see more clearly if your first draft clearly communicates your topic and the points that you want to make.
Don't worry about making mistakes - they can be easily corrected!
Don't be afraid to ask your teacher for help!
For more detailed instructions on the process of writing please see these texts. They are all written especially for Japanese students.
Paragraphs That Communicate -Reading and Writing Paragrphs
Upper Intermediate Textbook
By Hisatake Jimbo and Richard B. Murto
Published by Macmillan Languagehouse, 1995
Write Ahead - A Process Approach to Academic Writing
By Jane McElroy
Published by Macmillan Languagehouse, 1997
Write Here, Write Now
By Colin J. Toms
Published by Macmillan Languagehouse, 2000
Designed for Japanese learners at the False-beginner and Low Intermediate levels.
These websites also offer some helpful information on writing.
Word Wizard
http://www.wordwizard.com/
Word and Phrase Origins
http://www.uselessknowledge.com/word/origin.shtml
IPL Pathfinder: Word and Phrase Origins
http://www.ipl.org/ref/QUE/PF/etymology.html
English Writing Program for Engineering Students
Hui Mien Tan The Internet TESL Journal May 1999
http://www.aitech.ac.jp/~iteslj/Techniques/Tan-Writing.html
English for Scientific Research by Guy Norman
A site designed specifically to help non-native speakers of English hone their scientific writing skills
http://iceusc.usc.es/ccuniversitaria/recursos/ESRe-home.htm