The Writing Process

Molly Hatchcock
ENGL1102- TR 11:00-12:15
Dr. E. Campbell
January 9, 2013
Response Paper 1: “The Writing Process”

The Hamilton College Style Sheet explains the writing process in a way that is easy to understand. Although no two people write the same way this article gives you basics steps most people follow. The Style Sheet states each step and explains easy ways to complete these tasks. The Hamilton College Style Sheet consist of six basic steps to go about writing your essay; read, free write, thesis, outline, draft, and revise. The first step is to read whatever article, book, or paper you are to discuss. Sometimes to fully understand you have to make notes on the paper or jot down important points that you think could be useful in your writing. The Hamilton College Style Sheet also suggests what I believe to be the most important tip; discuss passages you feel are unclear with your peers to guarantee you have a complete understanding of the writing. The second step to the style sheet is to free write. In my opinion free writing is one of the most difficult steps; I have a hard time putting my thoughts on paper. The writing process suggests jotting down possible arguments and asking yourself if you can formulate a main argument out of your notes. Next comes your thesis, a well-developed thesis is a very important aspect of your writing. In order to make sure your thesis is not to prod, name specific places, events, and your side of the argument. The forth step to the writing process is to create an outline. An outline is very important to some people and others think otherwise. I create an outline to organize my introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. In my opinion, this step is one of the most useful steps in the writing process. Creating an outline gives you a clear diagram of what more is needed in your essay. After creating your outline comes your first draft. In your draft you need to have an introduction, several well-developed paragraphs, and a conclusion. Your draft should also state your side of the argument clearly and have an explanation of the importance of the question you are writing about. Although this style sheet suggests to put your thesis in your conclusion, I believe that putting your thesis in the introduction creates a more clear essay. Lastly, you have written your first draft it is a good idea to revise. The Hamilton College Style Sheet states that we become wedded to our writing and therefore cannot point out our weaknesses right after finishing the paper. This article suggests taking a break from your paper then returning at a later time to find more errors in your writing. I find this tip to be very helpful; I often do not find many errors in my own writing and never knew why.

Molly Hatchcock
ENGL1102- TR 11:00-12:15
Dr. E. Campbell
January 9, 2013
Response Paper 1: “The Writing Process”
Work Cited
“The Essentials of Writing” http://www.hamilton.edu/style/the-writing-process

Cited: “The Essentials of Writing” http://www.hamilton.edu/style/the-writing-process