The document outlines the five steps of the writing process: 1) brainstorming where the writer thinks of topics and related words, 2) grouping where the words are organized into categories, 3) outlining where an outline is created with an introduction, main ideas, and conclusion, 4) a rough draft is written based on the outline without worrying about small details, and 5) a final draft is created by reviewing and revising the content, organization, grammar, spelling, and punctuation of the rough draft.

1. THE WRITING PROCESS
The five steps

2. BRAINSTORMING
• Think of a topic
• Write down any words related to it (20-30)

3. GROUPING
• Go back through the list you now have after
brainstorming
• Organize the words into logical categories
• Some words may be left out
• Some words may fit into more than one category
(they may be repeated)

4. OUTLINING
• This is the basic break-down of your essay (do NOT use complete sentences):
I. Introduction.
a. Thesis statement: vacation – a time to relax
b. Main ideas:
1. no work / school
2. fun
3. accommodation
II. Development:
a. Main idea 1: no work / school – no stress, no homework, no responsibilities, sleeping-in
b. Main idea 2: fun – travel, meeting new people, long nights & parties
c. Main idea 3: accommodation – no cleaning, no cooking, pool,
III. Conclusion.
a. Summary: rephrase the main ideas
b. Opinion: (if asked for; avoid first person)

5. ROUGH DRAFT
• Look at your outline and start writing
• Do NOT worry about punctuation, grammar,
spelling and vocabulary
• Just let your ideas flow

6. FINAL DRAFT
• Carefully review your first draft
• First, read for content and organization
• Then, check the details (grammar, spelling,
vocabulary, punctuation)
• Reading aloud helps catch word repetition
• This process may be repeated more than once, if
necessary