160 likes | 182 Views
The Writing Process*. An Introduction * Adapted from the second edition of The Penguin Handbook , by Lester Faigley. Process. The word process implies a series of actions performed over time. These actions require different skills and activities. Would you classify biking as a
E N D
The Writing Process* An Introduction * Adapted from the second edition of The Penguin Handbook, by Lester Faigley.
Process • The word process implies a series of actions performed over time. • These actions require different skills and activities. Would you classify biking as a process or an activity?
The Reason to Write • At the heart of all written work is the assumption that certain thoughts, ideas, or details should be saved for later. • We also use writing as a way of clarifying our own thoughts or feelings. • What is your primary reason for writing?
A Little History • Our ancestors expressed themselves by using various writing methods: • Clay tablets • Hieroglyphs • What do you suppose was the primary purpose of ancient writing?
Purpose • Every piece of writing tries to achieve a specific purpose. • A letter to Aunt Louise thanks her for the graduation gift. • An email to your friend clarifies plans for the weekend. • Effective writers always understand the primary purpose of their writing assignment.
Common Reasons for Writing • Express strong feelings or emotions • Entertain readers • Explain an issue • Report information • Persuade readers to adopt a particular viewpoint
Three Main Reasons to Write Nonfiction • Expression • Exposition • Persuasion
Writing Today • Writing pervades our culture: • Email • Reports • Stories • Essays • Letters • Poetry • Song Lyrics What kinds of writing have you explored in the past?
Zero In on Your Purpose • Are you writing for a specific assignment? • What is the purpose of the assignment? What are you trying to achieve? • Are you primarily expressing feelings or emotions? • Are you trying to entertain a person or group? • Are you writing to convey what you know about a particular topic? • Do you have more than one purpose? If so, what is you primary purpose?
Audience • Writers must also consider their audience. • How would a letter to your employer differ from a letter written to your best friend? What is your experience of audience?
Audience Checklist • Who will read what you write? • What do you know about your audience? • What values do you share with the audience? • How do you differ from the audience? • How much does this audience know about your topic?
Audience Checklist • What kind of language is appropriate for this audience? • How open will the audience be to new ideas and perspectives? • How professional should you seem? • What don’t you know about the audience? • Will more than one audience read your writing?
Context • The meeting of reader and text is often referred to as context. • Context is influenced by many factors: • Time and place • Social situations • Political factors
Obvious Examples of Context • The Diary of Anne Frank • Roosevelt’s speech after the bombing of Pearl Harbor Sometimes context must be inferred
Axiom Number One • Writers must understand their purpose, audience, and context.