Wordsmith: A Guide to Paragraphs and

Short Essays
Seventh edition

Chapter 2
Preparing to Write

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Learning Objectives

2.1 Identify the advantages of prewriting.

2.2 Use various prewriting strategies.

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Prewriting (1 of 2)
Learning Objective 2.1 Identify the advantages of prewriting.

Prewriting
• One of the best
defenses against
writer’s block

Just say NO to arachnophobia

writer’s block!

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Prewriting (2 of 2)

You can enter prewriting without fear

– Generate ideas
– First step in the writing process
– Narrowing your topic
– Collecting your thoughts on your topic
– Getting them on paper

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Prewriting Methods (1 of 6)
Learning Objective 2.1 Use various prewriting strategies.

Brainstorming
– A listing technique
– One of the easiest prewriting techniques
– List whatever comes to mind

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Prewriting Methods (2 of 6)

Freewriting
– Nonstop writing for a set period of time
– Pen never stops moving
– Don’t worry about spelling and clarity

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Prewriting Methods (3 of 6)

Invisible Writing: A Computer Technique

– Get a blank page on your computer
– Turn off the monitor
– Free-write for 5 or 10 minutes
– Don’t worry about spelling errors
– Let your fingers fly

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Prewriting Methods (4 of 6)

Clustering
– Designed to stimulate both halves of the brain
– Involves both listing and drawing
– Begin with a circled word: your topic
– Branch out ideas from central word
▪ Porcupine cluster
▪ Molecule cluster

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Prewriting Methods (5 of 6)

Outlining
– The last step of prewriting
– Take thoughts from other prewriting methods
– Organize into outline form
– Don’t worry about using formal numbering
and lettering

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Prewriting Methods (6 of 6)

Journal Writing
– Daily writings
– Allows you to experiment with techniques you
are learning in class
– Write about issues that matter to you
– Practice is the only way to become a better
writer

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Copyright

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