2. The Writing Process The Writing Process consists of 6 steps. We will focus on a different step of the writing process in each module. Although you will be under a limited timed during the CPA exam, it is important to apply each step when responding to the prompt. analyzing the assignment brainstorming organizing your ideas writing the first draft revising the first draft editing the final draft
3. 1. Analyzing the assignment Before starting a writing task, make you sure understand… the topic, the purpose, the audience, the presentation method (e.g. email, memo, narrative, presentation etc), and the length. In the case of the BEC writing section, this information will be included in the Task Simulation. Make sure to read it carefully.
4. 2. Brainstorming – Mind Maps To “brainstorm” means to write down ideas of all kinds – good or bad – on a piece of paper. You should not be evaluating the usefulness of the ideas at this stage. A mind map starts with a circle in the middle of a piece of paper. The first step is to write the topic inside the circle. Then start by adding ideas you associate with this topic around the circle. You can use lines to point to the various ideas, you can use arrows to show that ideas are related, or you can put related ideas in smaller circles. There is no right way to do it. Imagine you have been given the following topic to write about. Which do you think is more important when being hired for a job – your formal educational background or work experience? Take 10 minutes to brainstorm some ideas on a separate piece of paper using the Mind Map approach.
5. 2. Brainstorming - Listing For this technique, you will come up with general headings or topics. The next step is to create lists of words, phrase and ideas under each of these headings. Remember, this is not the time to sort out good and bad ideas. For example… Let’s practice this in the next activity with a new topic.
