Step by Step
Module 1, Activity 2.8 - The Writing Process
Student Page
(teacher lesson for this page)

Introduction:

In the same way that an athlete must go through a process of warming up and preparing before a game, writers must go through a process before writing. Throughout the game, the athletes discuss what they are doing and what needs to change. All of these steps are necessary if you want to win the game. In this lesson you will review the steps in the writing process and have the chance to use the process in writing a letter to the editor.

Activities:

Task One - Stepping up to the Plate: Reviewing the Process
You are likely familiar with the writing process. However, it is important to review the specific steps before using the writing process.

A simple way to review the steps is through a quick jigsaw.

• Split into groups of five.
• Each person in the group should choose a number between one and five to determine your expert group.
• Once you have a number, you must gather with the others who have the same number to form your expert group. All fives, for example, are now one group.
• Each of the groups will be responsible for doing some quick research on one of the following steps in the writing process. Choose the step with the same number as your group:

• To conduct research, read from at least two of different sources provided.
• Write down 6-10 points about your topic.
• Record the different ways you might accomplish the goals of your step.
• You have 10-15 minutes to take notes on your topic.

Need a starting point for research?
Check out these web sites on the writing process and the steps of the writing process.

Return to your original group. Each member of the original group will have information on a different part of the writing process. You must teach each other about the different steps so that everyone has notes on all the steps by the end of the sharing time. You have 15 minutes to complete the sharing.

Task Two - Connecting with the Ball: Using the Process
Once you have reviewed the process, it is time to use it. You will be writing a letter to the editor in response to a response to a current issue.

As journalists, you would not be writing letters to the editor, as they only look at one side of the issue. However, today is your chance to put on the "hat of the reader" and express a personal opinion.

Objectives:

You will be able to
- recognize writing as a process of constructing meaning for themselves and others
- speak to share thoughts, opinions, and feelings
- present their point of view in a written work
- analyze and evaluate their own and others' writing

Resources:

- internet access
- information on the writing process

1. Write the issue at the heart of the story.
2. Around the word(s) in the center, write ideas for things you might like to see changed, suggestions for improvement, or positive things you have seen.

After some time to generate ideas and choose a particular idea, read the overview of what should be included in a letter to the editor:

A Letter to the Editor

- start Dear Editor:
- focus on one main idea
- state the idea in the first sentence or paragraph
- write a few other short paragraphs should outline your position and give pertinent information (Max. 2)
- discuss the most recent examples
- be positive as people are less likely to read a letter that is simply someone complaining

2. Drafting: Start writing a rough draft. You shouldn't worry about format or grammar at this point. The drafting process should be a flow of ideas. If you are having trouble getting started, it may help to look at sample letters to the editor or spend a few minutes on the internet researching your topic.

3. Revising: Once you have finished drafting your first copy, you should spend some time, revising. In a two step process, you will first revise individually:

1. Look back at the samples to see if your format is correct.
2. Read your letter carefully and cut out any information that is unnecessary.

When you have finished revising yourself, you should move to the second step - peer-revision.

1. Read your letter to a classmate.
2. The classmate's tells you what she liked about the article.
3. The classmate tells you what he thinks may need to be changed and why.

4. Editing: Trade papers with your partner and edit for grammar, spelling, mechanics and format.

5. Publishing: At the end of the process, create your final draft, ready for publishing. Hand in all steps of your process to your teacher. Be sure to keep your letter to the editor when it is returned; it will be useful in later lessons.