The Writing Process

Writing is a fluid process; it is not linear, and you may not always follow the exact same path to a finished product each and every time. There are many variables that will change not only what you write but how you write. Life experience, type of assignment, target audience, occasion for writing, need for research -- all of these are variables that can affect the way you need to approach the writing process. The elements of the process are always the same (prewriting, drafting, revising and editing, and publishing), but how you use these elements may not always be.

View the presentation to learn more about these elements of the writing process. Click the player button to begin.

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Timed Writing

The writing process can be much easier when you do not have a time limit. When you have no time limit you can devote the proper amount of time to planning, writing, revising, rewriting, and revising again! What happens, though, when you are in a time crunch, like when you have to write a timed essay in class? Well, the simple answer is… the writing process should still be utilized! Even when writing an essay for a timed exam, you still need to take the time to plan and organize before you write and then edit and revise before submitting.

On a timed exam, like many standardized exams used in schools and by colleges across the country, you still need to take the time to plan your essay. The prewriting stage can be completed in a matter of minutes, still leaving you plenty of time to draft your response. This prewriting will keep you focused as you work through the writing stage. Also, keep in mind that many exam essays will be persuasive essays. Persuasive exam essays usually do not require that the writer have an extensive background in any one field but rather that he or she take an opinion on a fairly common topic or theme.

Below is an example of what the writing process might look like for different timed essays:

For an untimed essay, the majority of your time will be spent writing and revising, but make sure you take adequate time to develop a strong plan and outline.

 

The Writing Process Review

What did you learn about the writing process and tailoring the process to suit your writing purpose? Check you knowledge of the writing process by completing the non-graded self-check below. On each slide, determine if the statement given about the writing process is True or False, then click SUBMIT. Click the player button to get started.