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The Process of Writing
By
HAI NGUYEN(HEC VN006)
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Step 1: Generate Ideas
Generate ideas from reading
Generate ideas from background experience
Brainstorm
Freewrite
Map ideas
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Step 2: Select a Topic
Select a topic from the ideas you generated
Explore subtopics--break down the ideas
Formulate questions
Freewrite on ideas by responding to some of
your questions
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Step 3: Construct a Thesis
Statement Select an idea or a problem that you can
defend, develop, discuss, or support
Selecting a question that can be answered is
a great starting point to developing a thesis
Spell out the idea in one sentence!
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Thesis Statement Facts
A thesis statement is often referred to as the
main idea, the central idea, or the main point.
A thesis is a position, a belief, an opinion
that can be developed into an essay.
A thesis is generally one sentence long.
A thesis must be phrased as clearly as
possible to help you stay focused.
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Thesis Statement Facts (cont.)
The thesis statement is the most essential
component of an essay. It is what you will
work on proving throughout your paper. The thesis statement must be included in the
introduction to set the stage for the paper.
The thesis gives an essay direction and focus. Everything that appears in the body must
relate directly to the introduction.
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Step 4: Collect Evidence
Collect information that will help you prove
your thesis and support your point or position.
Evidence or support must be specific; it must
support the thesis statement.
Support can be life experiences, facts,
examples, explanations, descriptions, etc.
Record the information in an organized
manner to plan the structure of your paper.
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Organization of Support
Support again refers to the body of your
paper. It is the information that you will use
to support your thesis (main point).
Organize your support in a manner that
helps make your point stronger.
Chronological order
Order of importance
Logical order
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Step 5: Revise the thesis
Dependent on what evidence you collected,
you may have to revise your thesis.
Do not be afraid to change your topic if you
are having difficulty finding strong support.
Make sure you recognize what a good thesis
statement is.
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Recognizing Thesis Statements
This paper is going to cover the causes and
effects of homelessness.
I would like to share with my readers a
tragic, but unforgettable experience I had.
Final exams must be abolished.
Homelessness is a major problem in our
country that ought to be addressed.
Note: The first two sentences are NOT thesis statements, as they donot reflect a position or opinion on a topic.
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Step 6: Write a Draft
Allow a big block of time for writing your
paper--at least three to four hours.
Write in a controlled frenzy.
Do not worry about perfection of wording.
Do not worry about sentence structure and
mechanical errors at this stage.
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Step 7: Revise your First Attempt
Read your first draft slowly.
Go through your paper and slowly revise
the phrasing of your ideas to ensure that
your points are clear.
Review the organization of your support
and make sure your points flow well.
Finally, review your paper for obvious
grammar and spelling errors.
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Now, you have something decent to
share with others for feedback!
Have others read your paper (perhaps aloud), people
whose opinion you value.
See whether they can find your main point.
Examine the flow and organization of the paper.
Look for clarity and precision of your language.
Examine the validity of your support (body).
Look at the development of each paragraph.
Examine the paper for unity. Do all points relate?
Help with grammar is always welcome. :-)
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Step 9: Edit your Final Draft
Read your paper aloud for punctuation
errors. Pauses and stops, for example, can
provide you with all kinds of information.
Spell check your paper!
Avoid slang or trite expressions.
Avoid contractions, such as its or wont.
Follow all guidelines provided by your
instructor (title page, spacing, fonts, etc.)
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Submit your final draft!
If you followed these steps, regardless of
your grade, you should be proud. You are
on your way to becoming a better writer!
The End