At a loss for words?

214 Evans Library | 205 West Campus Librarywritingcenter.tamu.edu | 979-458-1455

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The Writing Process

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Prewrite“Of a good

beginning cometh a good end.”

– John Heywood

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What Does the Assignment

Say?

What Do You Want to

Say?

• Read carefully.

• Highlight key terms.

• Ask questions.

• Use what you know.

• Choose a topic of interest.

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Topic vs. ThesisTopicWhat you arewriting about

ThesisYour claim, argument, or recommendation

Frank L. Baum’s use of political symbolism in The Wizard of Oz

Baum’s use of a yellow brick road can be viewed as commentary on the gold standard debate, a heated political issue at the end of the 19th century.

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Listing1.Write down every idea

you have.2.Stuck? Put on a timer.3.Look for patterns of

thoughts.4.Group material left

over in categories.5.Elaborate.

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Clustering1. Start with the

middle circle and write a topic.

2. Write down random ideas. Use lines to connect these ideas.

3. See if there is one “cluster” of ideas and start from there.

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Freewriting1. Write quickly

without stopping, 5-10 minutes.

2. Can’t think of anything? Write “I’m stuck, I can’t think of anything!”—you will at least be moving your pen.

3. Keep writing.4. Read what you did.

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Recording

Keep a notebook at all times—you never know when ideas will come to you.

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ResearchingLibrary Databases There are thousands of academic articles located here.

TAMU LibrariesHas an extensive collection of books, newspaper articles, magazines, and journals

InstructorsCan help change a topic into a thesis.

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Take careful notes. Keep track of all of your sources.

Avoid plagiarizing. Make a distinction between direct quotes and paraphrased information in your notes.

Research Tips

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The First Draft

I never know what I think about something until I read what I’ve written on it.

— William Faulkner

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Organization

Decide on length and organization based on the assignment’s purpose, audience, and thesis.

Use an outline, list, or a rough draft to begin.

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Captures your audience’s interest

Provides background on your subject

States your thesis

Introduction

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Restates your argument

Recommends a solution or states why your argument matters

Conclusion

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Revise“The first draft reveals the art; revision reveals the artist.”

—Michael Lee

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Another Pair of Eyes

Who can give you feedback?

• Your instructor or TA• A University Writing

Center consultant• A friend or classmate• A relative

For More Help…

Visit our website or call us to schedule an appointment.

We can help you at any stage in the writing process!

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214 Evans Library | 205 West Campus Librarywritingcenter.tamu.edu | 979-458-1455

We’ll help you find the write words.

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