Chapter 2What Writing Is and Is Not

Writing is…A dynamic process.Changes as your thoughts and

information changes.Takes time.Means making judgment calls.Grows in bits and pieces and

large spurts.

Writing is not…A mysterious process.Simply following a magic formula.Completed in the first attempt.

THE WRITING PROCESS @ WORK

ResearchTalking with peopleConsulting notesCollaborating with co-workersGetting briefingsInternet searchesReading periodicalsContacting vendors…etc.

PlanningPre-Writing Process

◦Clustering◦Brainstorming◦Outlining

Use whatever planning process works best for you. Everyone is different.

DraftingPutting your ideas onto paperKey Questions

◦Page 37: Things to ask yourself when you read your draft.

Guidelines◦Page 37

RevisingFixing up your draft for content.

◦Allow enough time to revise.◦Rethink your main ideas and

structure.◦Key Questions – page 38-39

EditingFixing grammatical errors,

syntax, and other mechanical issues.Editing Guidelines – page 42-51

Tip: Having someone else read your work before sending it out will always help!

Tip 2: It is extremely important that you edit work you hand in for this class!

CASE STUDY:A “BEFORE” AND “AFTER” REVISION

Pages 39-40