The document outlines a comprehensive writing process divided into stages: prewriting, outlining, drafting, revising, editing, reviewing, and submitting. Each stage includes essential steps such as understanding assignment instructions, organizing ideas, developing content, checking for errors, and reflecting on performance. Overall, it emphasizes the importance of breaking the writing task into manageable parts to ensure clarity and completeness.

1. Alexander College
The Writing
Process
Academic Writing from Start to Finish

2. Alexander College
A good writing process can help
by breaking the task down into
small manageable steps so that
nothing gets missed and you are
able to fully develop your ideas

3. Alexander College
Prewriting
Make a plan
and get
organized for
the writing task
Understand assignment instructions
Do initial research/brainstorming
Choose or narrow your topic
Come up with a tentative thesis statement
Do more research/thinking

4. Alexander College
Outline
Organize your
ideas
Make an outline including thesis and topic
sentences
Include supporting points and details

5. Alexander College
Drafting
Write ideas in
sentences and
paragraphs
Write an introduction to interest the reader and establish focus
Develop body paragraphs each with a main point and evidence
Write a conclusion to summarize paper and explore implications
Create Works Cited list

6. Alexander College
Revising
Further develop
content and
organization
Do the content and organization fit the assignment instructions?
Are the thesis and topic sentences a good fit with the content?
Are the ideas in the best order?
Is each point supported with evidence and explanation?
Can a reader follow the logic and flow of your ideas?

7. Alexander College
Re-Draft &
Revise
Repeat as
necessary
Work until you are satisfied with all content/ideas
and organization
You may consider visiting the WLC for extra help
It is always a good idea to save multiple versions of
your work in case you change your mind or if you
need to demonstrate your writing process

8. Alexander College
Editing
Clean it up
before handing
it in
Check that the format fits with assignment instructions
Check that you are following the required style (MLA?
APA? CMS?)
Check for language and grammar errors you often
make
Check consistency of verbs, pronouns, etc
Check for casual language or imprecise words
Check all citations

9. Alexander College
Review
Your last
chance!
Make sure you are happy with all of
your work and effort
Review the rubric, if available

10. Alexander College
Submit
Hand it in
Follow submission instructions
carefully (Hard copy? Online?)
Don’t leave it to the last minute as
technology sometimes causes
problems

11. Alexander College
Rethink
Reflect after
you get the
results
Are you surprised by your grade? Why?
What went well with this assignment? Do
that again next time!
What could you do to improve next time?
How could you have planned your time or
effort better?

12. Alexander College
Prewriting Outline Drafting
Revising
Re-draft
& Revise
Editing
Review Submit Rethink
The Writing Process