Although we\u2019ve mentioned that writers often work recursively\u2014that is, frequently switching between drafting, editing, proofreading, and so on\u2014it is useful to break the writing process into different functions or activities. To that end, we have divided it into eight smaller processes: Planning<\/a> and Prewriting<\/a>, Collaborating<\/a>, Researching, Drafting, Editing, Reviewing, Revising, and Publishing.<\/p>\n Writers generally plan their documents in advance. This stage, often called \u201cprewriting,\u201d includes everything from making a tentative outline, brainstorming, or chatting with friends or peers about the topic. For some writers, the prewriting stage is mostly mental\u2014they think about their projects, but do not write until they are ready to start the actual document. Others plan extensively and map out exactly how they want their document to look when it’s finished.<\/p>\n This chapter describes common planning and prewriting strategies and should help you \u201chit the ground running\u201d when starting out your writing projects.<\/p>\n Writers frequently require reliable information to support their documents. A writer\u2019s personal opinions and experience are sufficient evidence for many types of documents, but audiences will often demand more. Seeking out the information required to support your writing is called \u201cresearch,\u201d and it comes in many forms.<\/p>\n One form of research is the interview, in which you call up or meet with someone who has information on the topic you are pursuing. Another type, \u201cfield research,\u201d involves travel to places where the topic can be studied first-hand. You might also circulate a survey. These three examples are all part of what is called \u201cprimary research\u201d\u2014research you conduct yourself.<\/p>\n While many writing teachers assign primary research to their students in the process of writing a \u201cresearch paper,\u201d much of the research that writing at the college level asks you to do is \u201csecondary research\u201d\u2014exploring other people’s writing in the form of books, scholarly journals, newspapers, magazines, websites, and government documents.<\/p>\n This chapter describes different research strategies and provides you with the tools you\u2019ll need to properly back up the claims you make in your writing.<\/p>\n means writing or adding to a piece of writing\u2014composing it. It may seem like a straightforward process but can often be made difficult by writer\u2019s block or other anxieties.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Prewriting and Organizing<\/h3>\n
Researching<\/h3>\n
Drafting<\/h3>\n