EUW212 UNIVERSITY ENGLISH THE WRITING PROCESS The Writing Process Writing is a very complex activity.

To write effectively, you need to: master the writing convention. be able to read and think critically. understand and apply the writing process. Understand the factors underlying effective writing in the workplace. Stages of the Writing Process In general, the writing process comprises four main stages: 1. Analyzing and understanding the task 2. Planning and gathering information 3. Writing 4. Revising & Editing The writing Process

Although the writing process has several stages, it is never linear in nature. It is recursive. (You may move back and forth throughout your writing.)

Stage 1 : Analyzing and Understanding the Task To have a clear understanding about: The objectives The purpose The audience you are writing to Usability Persuasiveness *You should also be aware of the guidelines on expected length and documentation style. Stage 2 : Planning and Gathering Information

Planning Gathering information

Planning Planning for Usability persuasiveness

Planning - Usability

Complete Contains all the information the reader needs Task oriented Help reader to complete task Accessible Enable reader to locate needed information quickly

Planning - Persuasiveness

To influence readers attitudes and actions Consider readers Needs Concerns Values preferences Use sound reasoning

Planning Come out with a tentative topic a rough purpose statement

Produce a tentative content outline the main factors and associated ideas. Identify what you need to know/have What you already know What you dont know

Planning Some useful techniques for generating ideas: Listing Clustering Outlining Gathering information Researching (looking) for information - examine relevant sources to collect information needed

Create an efficient and productive research plan

Research method for gathering information: Primary research Secondary research

Stage 3 : Drafting Organizing the ideas/information basing on the preliminary report outline/structure drafting the report

Stage 4 : Revising & Editing Modifying and correcting the draft

Global revision: focus on the thesis/problem statement Local revision: focus on the paragraphs

Surface revision: focus on sentence style, word choice, grammar, mechanics, and citation form Thank you