Everyone has unique ways of doing things, and this fact of life can apply to writing as well. During the prewriting stage, for instance, some people like to create a “word web” while others prefer a simple list of ideas. Some writers use a detailed outline to map out the content for each paragraph while others dive right into the drafting process, assuming that they’ll move sentences and paragraphs around when they revise. Some busy authors speak directly into their cell phones, recording their thoughts and ideas as audio files before writing them out.
What about you? Do you have a typical approach to tackling a writing assignment (either your own or one given to you by a teacher)? Your approach may change with time, as you try out different processes in different courses, but it’s a good idea to stop and think about what seems to work for you.
Journal
Open a new word processing document, and copy and paste the prompt below. Then label the prompt with this lesson’s title--Wiser with Words. Answer the prompt in two or three paragraphs.
Describe your own personal process for writing. What stages of the writing process do you feel you already do well, and what stages do you think you need more practice at? What are some goals that could help you improve your writing ability? How will these writing skills and goals help you become a better reader?
When you have written a complete and detailed answer to the journal prompt, save the file so that you can open it again for the next lesson with a journal assignment. Give your journal a file name that includes this module’s title as well as your name. (You will submit your journal to your teacher for grading once or twice during the module.)
