1. PREWRITING

A. This is the name given to the first step in a writing situation.

B. It includes all preliminary work to be done by the teacher and student.

1. audio-visual presentations (movie; filmstrip; tv/radio/CDs)
2. list-making, diary or journal writing (vocabulary, sentence structure)
3. random outlines
4. oral exchange of ideas
5. field trips
6. reading of literary examples, samples

C. It is useful to clarify assignments, provide needed vocabulary, stimulate students.

II. WRITING THE FIRST DRAFT

A. This is the name given to the second step in the writing situation.

B. It includes the first formal composing activity.

1. sentence format
2. paragraph format

C. It is useful to provide an opportunity for students to get material down on paper in a preliminary format.

D. It is characterized by a variety of errors.

1. sentence, structure, punctuation, usage
2. spelling, extraneous details
4. unimportant ideas
5. lack of uniform point of view
6. lack of style
7. inadequate audience appeal
8, incomplete development

III. REVISING

A. This is the name given to the third step in a writing situation.

B. It includes the activities during which the first draft is changed.

1. rearranging words, phrases, sentences, order of paragraphs
2. selecting most appropriate vocabulary
3. striving for style and audience appeal
4. adding or eliminating details or ideas

C. It is useful to provide an opportunity for correction of the preliminary manuscript and for interaction between the writer and "an audience".

1. Correcting may be done by different people.

a. by the student/writer
b. by the teacher
c. by other students in "peer response groups" or in "peer pairs"

2. Correcting may be done using a variety of techniques.

a. reading the manuscript silently
b. reading the manuscript aloud
c. using a checklist, handbook, guide sheet, outline

IV. EDITING

A. This is the name given to the fourth step in a writing situation.

B. It includes the "polishing" activities designed to prepare the manuscript for the final typing/writing process.

1. correcting mechanical errors missed in revising steps
2. preparing the final copy according to specifications.

C. It is useful to provide an opportunity to eliminate all errors from the final product.

V. PUBLISHING

A. This is the name given to the fifth step in a writing situation.

B. It includes all activities which involve sharing the final product with an audience. Such sharing or communicating may be done in a variety of ways.

1. oral reading to group (by teacher, writer, others)
2. silent reading of material by individuals and/or group
3. displays on bulletin boards (in classrooms, IMC, hallways, cases)
4. class or school publications (newspapers, magazines, pamphlets)
5. mailing letters to real people, companies, newspapers
6. preparing folders or books for "lending library" of student materials within the school