Formal Writing Process

The writing process is a series of steps you need to follow in order to complete the task over a period of time.

• 1. Understand the task

  2. Brainstorm ideas

  3. Organise ideas

  4. Write an essay

  5. Draft, edit and proofread

  6. Write a good copy

These notes will help you with the writing process:

• • Understand the task and purpose of your writing. Underline keywords in the instructions and the task. If it is not clear, ask your teacher. Formal writing is also known as: discursive, transactional, expository, informative, or report writing. All formal writing requires you to write in a formal way and develop ideas supported by an explanation and example. These sites may be useful:

    • Persuasion and argument

    • Organising an argument

• Brainstorm relevant ideas

  • This is how you record all of your initial thoughts and ideas to help you select an approach to the topic. It is important to spend time thinking about all the possibilities and to think your ideas through before you begin the writing process. A good topic or idea is one that you have a lot to say about and can add carefully chosen accurate detail.

    • Sites to visit:

    • What is brainstorming?

    • Planning (Invention): When you start to write

  • Organise ideas into a logical order. Your initial brainstorming must be reorganised into a logical and interesting progression of thought, to help you develop your ideas and give your essay an overall structure.

    • Here are some possible structures:

      • Look at one side of the issue. Choose either 'for' or 'against', and list your points in priority order with the most important first.

      • Look at both sides of the issue. Split your argument in half grouping all your points 'for' and then all your points 'against', then bring them together in the conclusion.

        • The structure you choose will depend on the topic you are writing about and the effect you want to create.

        • Look at your introduction and conclusion.

        • Having an effective introduction will encourage your audience to read your work, help to set the tone and to introduce the main idea and/or opinion. Try to reword the topic in your own language to state your opinion clearly.

        • A conclusion is more than just repeating the introduction, it should tie any lose ends together and leave a clear message with the reader. A strong conclusion will challenge the reader to think beyond the limits of the topic and may offer solutions, or recommendations.

    • Sites to visit:

    • Writing to argue, persuade, advise

    • English: Writing

  • Edit for ideas and structure (see above). Check to see if your meaning is clear and your ideas are in the best order for your argument/opinion.

  • Edit for punctuation, spelling, grammar, and word choice.

• Write a good copy