The document outlines six steps to successful writing: 1. Define your subject and purpose by determining if you want to give information, argue a point, convey bad news, or propose a project. 2. Freewrite for 10 minutes without stopping to get ideas flowing. 3. Brainstorm ideas about goals, readers, information, and desired actions. 4. Cluster ideas by drawing connections between a central word and associated words. 5. Make an outline to organize the beginning, middle, and end of your writing. 6. Write, revise, polish and proofread your work to develop it into a cohesive piece.

1. STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL WRITING
Define Your Subject and Purpose
Focus on your topic and goal.
Are you:
- Giving information?
- Arguing a point?
- Conveying bad news?
- Proposing a project?
Freewrite Brainstorm Cluster
Write without stopping Jot down random Start with a key word in
as quickly as you can for thoughts about your the center of your paper.
at least 10 minutes. goals, your reader's Circle the word.
Be concerned with the needs, your needs, the Add words and circle
flow of words and ideas. infor-mation you want to them as you make
get across, the action associations. Draw lines
Look carefully at what you would like readers or arrows.
you have written. to take, and so on.
Continue until you run
out of ideas, or one idea
becomes strong.
Make an Outline
Decide on the best organization for your purpose and subject. Organize a beginning, middle,
and end. If possible, draft topic sentences for major paragraphs or sections.
Write
Begin writing without editing. Keep an eye on your outline, but do not worry if your plan
begins to change.
Revise
Reorganize if necessary. Check word choice tone. Delete unnecessary words. Develop a
strong opening and conclusion. Provide transition between thoughts.
Polish and Proofread
Review grammar, punctuation, spelling, word usage, and tone. Work on sentence construction
and variety. Check for mechanical and typographical errors.