The Writing Process

Note: For another look at some of the concepts presented here, as well as some ideas about the psychology of procrastination, see John Stenzel's workshop presentation on the term-paper writing process, given for an Intro to Computers class but very relevant to this topic.

1. Pre-writing

1. Brainstorming/free writing/issue trees

2. Research: Observation, experimentation, participation, interviews/surveys, library reading.

3. Note-taking

4. Organization: Jot sheet or outline

2. Drafting

1. Write a version (or versions) of what you want to say in the paper. Keep telling yourself, "This is just a draft," if your critic begins to interfere.

2. Put draft aside and come back to it. Make any changes you think need to be made.

3. Submit copies of your draft to peer reviewers. Give them a list of specific questions you'd like them to address.

3. Revision

1. Additional research? If so, go back to 1, with plan.

2. Global revision: overall unity, proportion, thoroughness, and logic. [Consider finding a place to spread out hardcopy of large sections instead of trying to do everything on screen.]

3. Local Revision

1. Paragraphs: unity, coherence, and development

2. Sentences: clarity, precision, conciseness, and accuracy.

3. Format: labels, footnotes, margins, minutiae

4. Editing: correctness, consistency of style etc.

4. Preparation of final presentation copy.

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