We need to know how to write any document and how to revise them very efficiently. Pre writing, writing and re-writing process has been describe in the ppt.
3. Prewriting
Prewriting is the process of gathering information on a
subject and planning out what our communication will say
and look like. Prewriting is the roadmap for our documents.
We must establish our purpose, identify our audience, and
plan out our message.
During the prewriting phase, consider following these steps
to help map out a plan for your communication:
4. 1. Establish your purpose : Ask yourself, why are you creating this
document? Are you trying to inform an audience of something? Do you
want to instruct the audience in how to do something? Do you need to
persuade them to believe something? Establishing your purpose will
help determine the type of communication you create.
For example, informing an audience about a new scientific
breakthrough may mean you write a magazine article or a research
paper on your topic. However, instructing your audience on how to use
a new sewing machine will require a totally different type of document.
You may need to create a how-to manual with lots of graphics and
step-by-step instructions. Knowing what your purpose is will help you
choose the best format for your communication.
5. 2. Identify your audience: For whom are you creating this
document? Who your audience is determines how you will
communicate your information.
For example, if you intend your document to be read by
computer geeks creating a new processing system, the
language you are going to use will be high-tech and full of
jargon. But if you're explaining to the general public how to use
the new processing system, your language must be simple and
easy to understand. You must determine who your target
audience is before you begin writing so that you know how to
say what you want to say.
6. 3. Gather your information: Now that you know what you want
to say and who you want to say it to, you need to collect the
details. Make sure you consider everything the audience needs
to know. Do you have the correct dates, times, expenses,
locations, and required actions? Communication cannot be
effective if it is not complete and accurate.
Imagine going on a road trip with part of the map missing. You
need to gather all of the information you need to write your
document so that you don't accidentally leave out any important
detail in your communication.
7. 4. Plan your message: Once you have all of your information
together, you can begin to lay out exactly what you want to say.
Consider using one of these prewriting techniques as you plan
out what to say and when to say it in your communication:
• Bubble-mapping - Bubble maps allow you to brainstorm
ideas by putting your main topic in the center circle, then
linking all of the ideas you need to express about that topic
in circles that link to the center.
10. • Outlining - If you like your information organized in a more
orderly manner, you could make an outline of your
information. The concept is the same as bubble mapping in
that you determine your main points and the details that
explain those points, but the layout allows for a neat,
orderly examination of how the details fit together. Outlining
may be the most beneficial for those who have a lot of little
details you want to make sure you include in your
document.
12. Freewriting-
In FREEWRITING, you write whatever comes to your mind without
worrying about punctuation or grammar.You do write in complete
sentences.You can handwrite it or on the computer if you are a
strong typer.
Example:
I have to write a paper about the environment. I have no idea where to start! I
know there are many problems with the environment, but I don’t know much
about this topic. Maybe I could take a look at my biology book to come up with
some ideas. I know my biology professor is also really into the environment, so
maybe I could ask for his help. I remember he was talking about hybrid cars in
class the other day and how much better those are for the environment. What is
a hybrid car? I know it uses some sort of alternative fuel and they are becoming
very popular. Maybe that is something I could write about...
13. Writing
Once you have determined your audience and purpose, gathered all of
your information, and planned out what you want to say, it's time to start
writing. Writing is simply the process of putting your information into
appropriate words, sentences, and paragraphs. The most important
points to consider when writing your draft are the organization and
format of your document.
Organization is the method by which you arrange the information in
your document. You have many options for how you organize your
information. The following are some of the more popular organizational
structures:
14. • Problem-solution allows you to explain a problem and then provide
potential solutions. This type of organization would be great in a
document presenting ideas of how to improve an area of a company.
• Chronological organization allows you to write down steps to be taken
based on what should occur first, second, third, and so on. If you are
developing a user manual for a cell phone, chronological order may be
your best organizational option.
• Compare and contrast lets you explain how two items are similar and
then how they are different. This organizational structure is perfect for
explaining how an updated product has changed from the original.
15. • Top-down: Finally, a common type of organization structure for
technical documents is the top-down approach. In this structure,
you provide an overview of what you will say at the beginning of
your document, then give detailed information in paragraphs and
bullet points. The top-down approach would be great for providing
research on a new type of medicine.
The type of organization you choose for your communication will vary
based on your purpose and audience, but it is important to choose an
organizational pattern and stick to it so that readers can easily follow
the information you are presenting.
16. The other area you must consider as you are writing is how you
will format your document. Formatting is the way in which you
lay out and display your information. Once you have written all
of your information down, examine how the text appears on the
document. Is it easy to read? Are the important points easy to
find? Does the document provide a visual aid to help explain
more difficult information? Formatting your document allows
your user to more easily access and understand your
information.
17. Consider using these formatting techniques during the writing process:
• Put key points in bold or larger fonts
• Use bullet points for important details
• Include a visual aid or graphic
• Insert tables or charts to group information
Reading large chunks of words can be brain numbing and your
audience may lose focus on your message. Adding in formatting
techniques will keep your document user-friendly and allow the reader
to find information quickly.
18. Rewriting
I'm sure once you've finally written down all that you needed to
say, your brain has become numb, but don't make the mistake
of publishing your document before you've looked back over
your work. Take a fifteen-minute break, go get a cup of coffee,
and once your brain has had a chance to rest, come back to
your document for a second look. Rewriting is the process of
revising and editing what you've written to fix any grammatical
errors and to ensure the information is correct, concise, and
complete.
19. When you are rewriting, follow these steps to ensure that you produce the most accurate
and user-friendly document possible:
• Add details to any areas that may seem vague
• Delete unnecessary words or phrases
• Correct any grammar errors
• Check to make sure all information is accurate
• Examine the format to make sure important information is highlighted
Once you've read through your draft a few times, consider having a colleague review the
document as well. Two sets of eyes are better than one, and an objective outsider will be
able to tell you if you have been successful in communicating your information.
20. Learning Outcomes
After reading this lesson, you should be able to:
-Identify and explain the steps that go into prewriting, writing,
and rewriting
-Examine organizational structures you can use for writing your
document
21. Questions
1. Why planning is so important?
2. What is pre-writing? Describe various steps of pre-
writing.
3. What do you mean by bubble mapping and
outlining?
4. What type of organizational structures should we
follow during writing?
5. Write some formatting techniques.
6. Describe re-writing process.