Chapter 3 Understanding the Writing Process An overview

Chapter 3 Understanding the Writing Process

An overview of the writing process n n Planning Drafting Revising Editing and proofreading Chapter 3. Understanding the Writing Process 2

Planning n Analyze your audience. n n n Analyze your purpose. n n What do you want your readers to know and why? Generate ideas about your topic. n n What do they want and need to know? What is their technical background? Who, what, where, when, why, and how… Research additional information. Organize and outline your document. Devise a schedule and a budget. n Based upon outline Chapter 3. Understanding the Writing Process 3

Revising n n n Reconsider your audience. Reconsider your purpose. Reconsider your organization and development. n Does it flow logically and make sense? Chapter 3. Understanding the Writing Process 4

Editing and proofreading n n Let the document sit, overnight if possible. Edit the document carefully. Format the document carefully. Proofread the document carefully. Chapter 3. Understanding the Writing Process 5

Two kinds of people to ask for help in revising documents n n Subject-matter experts (SMEs) People who are like those in the targeted audience n n Target culture Acknowledge reviewers… Chapter 3. Understanding the Writing Process 6

A person from the target culture can help you answer these questions: n n Have you made correct assumptions about how readers will react to your ideas? Have you chosen appropriate kinds of evidence? Have you organized the draft effectively? Have you designed the document and crafted the sentences appropriately? Chapter 3. Understanding the Writing Process 7

Using a word processor involves using these tools: n n The outline view Templates n n n Making templates reduces repetitive tasks that occur over and over again Styles The spell checker The thesaurus The find and replace feature n It’s not just for words any more Chapter 3. Understanding the Writing Process 8

Commercial templates can lead to three problems: n n n They do not always reflect the best design principles. They bore readers. They cannot help you answer important questions about your document. Chapter 3. Understanding the Writing Process 9