19 Unit 2: Think About It!
Now that you have explored the writing process, draw what you know:
Scrapbooky people, this is the activity you have been waiting for. Before you can discuss changing or evolving your writing process, you need to know what yours is.
- On paper or the computer, map out what you think of when you hear the phrase writing process. (This is all connected to being proactive)
- Now, map your current process: What does your writing process look like? Feel free to use arrows, symbols, images, creative language, memes, drawings, etc. Try to be as specific/detailed as possible
- Once you have completed your image, go to Chapter 2.1, Introduction to Unit 2, and review the terminology introduced there. Consider how you might connect this new vocabulary with your existing text.
Why should you care? You can’t improve on something you don’t know or understand.
Revision is 20/20:
In many instances, we (the author included) fail to make the best use of the writing process to create substantive, polished submissions. Indeed, many of us are guilty of turning in the “first draft” of our work, and then convincing ourselves that we did an excellent job, but how many of us actually go back and review that work with fresh eyes?
Grab a highlighter and a pen or pencil. Locate a larger (two-three pages in length) writing assignment that you completed at least one to two years ago. Bonus points if you can even find the assignment description that it might have been linked to.
Once you have your materials, sit down and prepare to experience some emotional damage. Re-read your work from the perspective of a teacher or editor. Use your tools to review your text, marking things that you have done well and areas that you might choose to revise, should the opportunity present itself.
- Once you have reviewed the entire text, return to your notes and comments to look for trends.
- What types of things did you do well?
- Where did you leave room for growth?
- What types of errors do you see yourself repeating?
- How can you prevent those in the future?
Why should you care?
If you never look back at your old work with a clear head, you miss a critical chance to understand yourself as a writer. When the pressure and anxiety of the deadline and the grade are gone, you can see your material clearly and more objectively identify strengths and weaknesses.
