May 22

For writing into the day, we answered quotations about writing process (see slide 18 on the PowerPoint) and then shared our answers with partners.

We got back into the small groups from last class and finished the discussion about writing process.  Then, we talked in whole group and had the following discussion:

• Writing process is the steps your take to write a paper.
• The process is individual.
• If you don't do it in a particular process, you won't have a good outline for your paper.  But there is no set process for everyone.
• There is a general process everyone follows - research, plan, compose.
• There are different steps but essentially the same foundation.
• You do need A process to do well on a paper.
• There is always brainstorming somehow.  You at least think about it.
• You don't use the same strategy for every paper.
• You don't need to brainstorm if you already know what you're writing about.  But with academic papers, you need to research before you write.
• You can tell when someone doesn't have a process.
• Outlining/brainstorming perfects your writing.
• The generic process in question 3 is a format that can be used to improve your skills
• It is the standard that will make a good essay, but it will not work for everyone.
• The paper won't get done without a process.
• As you get older, the process becomes embedded.
• Should you do multiple drafts?  Is there ever too much revision?

Next, as a class, we wrote a list of prewriting strategies.

• Visualizations
• Talking to people
• Reading about the subject
• Charts
• Google
• Bubbles
• Bud light
• Research
• Thought
• Outline
• Freewrite
• Music
• Compare and constrast
• Note taking
• Jotting ideas
• Reading a novel
• Organization
• References
• Pictures
• Long walks
• Meditate
• Cook
• Travel
• TedTalks
• Get advice
• Group discussions
• Listing
• Emotions
• Journal/daily writing
• Blog
• Public speaking

We discussed the questions about prewriting (see slide 20 on PowerPoint).

• High school said it is the most important part of the process.
• You look at your paper like a sandwich.
• The bread is the intro and conclusion. The meat is the body.  The lettuce and tomatoes are details.
• It was cookie cutter in high school

When does prewriting end?

• Prewriting ends when you turn the paper in.
• Prewriting ends when you start writing.
• Prewriting is the process.
• Prewriting ends when you have the final draft.

We finished with a writing out of the day answering this question: Define what good writing it in terms of prewriting and writing process.

Homework:

• Read "Shitty First Drafts" and "Assumption Two" (on Moodle).
• Print and bring to class the two revision handouts (on Moodle.)