Mrs. Withstandley

Miss Amendola Name: ____________________________

The Basics of Writing

I. Steps in Writing:

A. plan and outline

B. draft

C. revise and edit

D. prepare final copy

A. plan

1. use a scatter/web diagram to get your ideas on paper

2. organize your ideas and the details that relate to each in an outline

B. draft

1. expand your ideas and their details into sentences

2. combine groups of sentences into logical paragraphs

C. revise and edit

1. read your paper aloud

i. fix any sentences that sound funny or are confusing

2. consider your target audience – make sure the tone is appropriate

i. try to read as though you were seeing the paper for the first time

3. check for misspellings

4. check for subject/verb agreement

D. prepare final copy

1. make all the changes you found above

2. save your work

If you are having trouble finding good words, here are some options

Words for time and sequence: Change of direction: Conclusion:

first before last but in conclusion

second previously finally however in closing

then earlier later on yet in summary

next formerly at last in contrast to conclude

also ultimately otherwise consequently

soon thus on the other hand therefore

meanwhile as a result as a result

More Tips:

1) Introductory sentence MUST tell what you’re talking about.

2.) Tired/repetitive words: thing, also, stuff, like

3.) Don’t talk to the reader! (I’m going to tell you…)

4.) Check your spelling!

5.) Read aloud before you hand it in.

6.) Formatting: Double-space, indent each paragraph, NO spaces between paragraphs.