Entry Three: Expository Writing: The 8- Step Writing Process
"A writer is someone for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people." - Thomas Mann
Does writing feel like a chore? Then here are a few steps that will get you through
with ease.
Step 1: Idea
An idea is needed. Have it clearly in your mind before moving
forward. Get a topic or subject you want to write on. Use graphic organizers to
highlight the topic and outline the supporting details. There are 5 types:
sequence, problem/solution, description, cause/effects, and compare/contrast. My
topic for the expository piece is Healthy and Unhealthy Foods
Step 2: Think
Think carefully about your audience (the readers). Ask the question, who
am I writing for? What grade or age are you targeting or looking at? My
intended audience will be children, ages 9- and 10-year-olds in Grade 4. What
are their characteristics and need? Need to make the right choices when purchasing
snacks and food from school vendors, supermarkets, and even when ordering at a
restaurant. Need to know the benefits of healthy food and the negative effects
of unhealthy foods. Identify good and bad choices and how to make the right
decision. Practice the writing process. Practice sentence structure and
formulating paragraphs. Need to express their ideas/thoughts and organize their
information verbally and in writing.
Step 3: The idea and the reader
Narrow down the topic to Healthy versus Unhealthy Foods. The idea is
narrowed into a focused topic involving comparing and contrasting
Step 4: Gather Information
Research on the chosen topic using information from various resources
such as websites, online articles, videos, scholarly essays, books, pdf files,
movies, observations, experiences, interviews, etc. When researching look for
definitions, explanations and descriptions, causes, effects, similarities and
differences, proposing and opposing stances,
Step 5: Study
Study the material. Select the important or relevant information from
the research. Select interesting parts,
unique facts, or keynotes that will be presented in the written piece. Pay
attention to accuracy, verifiable, objective, authoritative, and up-to-date.
Step 6: Design
Organize the selected information and give structure to the written
piece so there is a sense of order and direction for your reader. Here is where
concept maps can also be used to give a printed view or outline of your
supporting details that will be used in the written piece.
Step 7: Write
Begin to write the information that was plotted out. Refer back to information
that was gathered, studied, and organized. Write without stopping as this may interrupt
the flow of your words or your train of thought. Write to make the information
makes sense. Try to keep in mind, the grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and legibility
of handwriting.
Step 8: Edit
Re-read what was written and check for grammatical errors and spelling
errors in the written piece. Omit or replace words, phrases, and sentences at
this point. Feel free to switch up sentences and enhance vocabulary words. Use synonyms
and antonyms for simpler words to enhance speech.
These steps will guide a writer to producing a great written piece of work. Writing can be difficult at times and so we all need help to navigate our thoughts to paper.
These steps are very important for beginning writers who may be struggling with gathering ideas on a topic of interest. This will therefore give them more insights as to what they will be required to do to get from one step to another. It will also easy for teacher to model these steps to their students.
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