The writing process
The assignment writing process consists of several stages. The process is usually described in a linear fashion, proceeding from the first stage to the last in an orderly sequence. In a real writing situation, however, the process is more complex and more ‘messy’ than this linear representation suggests.
As you write, you may develop new ideas or realise that you need more information. This may cause you to change your original plan or consult new reading sources. Some students find this frightening: they feel they are losing control over their writing. If you accept that this ‘messiness’ is an integral part of the writing process, you will manage the situation better as long as you allow enough time for any necessary revisions to the plan or draft.
Stages in the writing process
Understanding the question
The first stage in the process is extremely important because your interpretation of the question has a direct impact on the remaining stages and on the quality and relevance of you answer. For a detailed explanation of this stage, see Understanding the question.
Gathering information
Decide what information you need to tackle the assignment. Your lecture notes and reading list will help you to identify key sources. Other sources of information include: journals (many of which you can access online), electronic databases, statistical information, reports and theses. You will be able to access some of these sources on the internet, but in most cases unrestricted access is only available via the Library.
It is important to be selective: Bear in mind your deadline for submission and word limit when deciding how much to read. Evaluate sources so that you do not waste time reading materials that are out of date, of poor quality or irrelevant to your question.
Recording information
Take notes as you read, making sure that you record all the information you need to reference your sources properly. Over time, you will develop a note-taking style to suit your preferences, but remember to use your own words if writing full sentences. This will help you to avoid plagiarism. If you think it is important to copy an extract word for word, indicate this clearly in your notes so that you remember to change the words in your assignment.
Planning and structuring the content
First of all, formulate your central idea and write it down in a single sentence or a small number of sentences. Then make an outline of your assignment, clearly showing how you will develop your central idea. The outline must include the different sections and the main points in each section. Next, add the supporting points for each main idea and briefly indicate which sources of information you intend to use. You can use ‘Outline’ in Word for this stage of the process. Take a break and then reread your plan to decide whether you need to change or add anything.
Writing the first draft
At the first draft stage, it is advisable to concentrate on the content and structure rather than language and style. Focusing on language and style at this early stage will interrupt the flow of ideas and delay progress. Once you have completed your first draft, put it aside and take a break. Then evaluate your draft and decide what improvements you need to make. Is the argument clear? Have you provided enough evidence to support your claims? Are ideas linked together logically?
Redrafting
This stage involves improving and refining early drafts. When redrafting, you may have to move sentences or paragraphs, delete repeated or unnecessary information, clarify the relationship between main and subsidiary ideas, use linking words to make the connection between ideas more explicit, rewrite ambiguous or unclear sentences, and select more appropriate language.
Editing and proofreading
Allow enough time to check your assignment thoroughly before submission. If possible, leave it for a day or two. This will enable you to examine it with some detachment and make any changes that are still needed to ensure that it is clearly and accurately written. Check paragraphing, grammar, word choice, spelling and punctuation, and make sure that all sources are correctly cited in the text and included in the list of references.
