Writer's Guidelines: The Writing Process: Stage Three

1. Writing

Write your first draft, paying close attention to your outline, list, or cluster. Do not concern yourself with perfect spelling, grammar, or punctuation.

2. Revising

Coherece

Are the ideas clearly related, each one to the others and the central idea?

Is there a clear pattern of organization (time, space, or emphasis)?

Is the pattern supported by words that suggest the basis of that organization (time: now, then,

Later; space: above, below, up, down; emphasis: first, second, last)?

Is coherence enhanced by the use of transitional terms, pronouns, repetition, and consistent point of view?

Language

Is the general style of language usage appropriate (properly standard and formal or informal) for

The purpose of the piece and the intended audience?

Is the tone (language use showing attitude toward material and audience) appropriate?

Is the word choice (diction) effective? Are the words precise in conveying meaning? Are they fresh and original?

Unity

Are the thesis and every topic sentence clear and well stated? Do they indicate both subject and treatment?

Are all points of support clearly related to and subordinate to the topic sentence of each paragraph and to the thesis of the essay?

Emphasis

Are ideas properly placed (expecially near the beginning and end) for emphasis?

Are important words and phrases repeated for emphasis?

Suppot

Is there adequate material--such as examples, details, quotations, and explanation--to support each topic sentence and thesis?

Are the points of support place in the best possible orde?

Sentences

Are the sentence varied in length and beginning?

Are the sentences varied in pattern (simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex)?

Are all problems with sentence structure (fragments, comma splices, and run-ons) corrected?

3. Editing

Editing, the final stage of the writing process, involves a careful examination of your work. Look for problems with capitalization, omissions, punctuation, and spelling (COPS).

Source: Brandon, Lee. Brandon, Kelly. Paragraphs and Essays