Page 284 - Foundations of Learning, 4th Edition (Revised)

The Writing Methodology

The Writing Methodology clarifies the writing process by breaking it down into a series of steps or stages
that can be easily followed. As learn to write confidently in college, it is important not to skip steps in this
methodology. You will find, however, that the steps do not always occur in the exact same order. Steps may
overlap, occur in a different order, or even occur simultaneously. For example, you might be inspired to
truly think on paper and write a quick draft of an essay. You might then find that you have written your way
“into” a thesis statement. Or you might find you have a strong thesis, but are not sure where to go from there.

The Writing Methodology is meant to enhance, not stifle, your writing. So, while using the methodology,
don’t feel you have to put any restrictions on your creativity or individual writing style. Knowing the
methodology works for you may actually help you be more creative.

METHODOLOGY

Step Explanation
1 Prepare for writing
Read, write, brainstorm, and participate in classroom activities
to form ideas for a writing topic.

2 Identify topic, purpose, and Decide what you will write about, why you are writing about

audience this topic, and who your main audience will be.

3 Perform exploratory Write to expand and develop your ideas without worrying
writing about grammar, style, or organization.

4 Compose a thesis Narrow your topic and write a statement that summarizes the
statement ideas you want to discuss.

5 Devise a plan Organize your ideas through some form of outlining.

6 Create a draft Develop your exploratory writing into more crafted sentences
7 Assess the draft and paragraphs that fit your overall plan for the essay.
8 Revise the draft
Step Read over your draft and assess where it is strong and where it
needs improvement. You may do a peer review at this stage.

Reorganize paragraphs, clarify ideas, rephrase sentences.

Explanation

278 Foundations of Learning