Chapter 2: Beginning the writing process

Chapter 2: Beginning the writing process

This chapter is about the beginning the writing process. You must understand the rhetorical situation: subject, audience, and purpose. Understanding the assignment you should read the assignment look for key words, options and restrictions. Relate the assignment to the goals of the course, other assignments, and your own interests. Reflect on the assignment; first impulses, approaches, quality of performance, benefits, and key traits: purpose, audience, form, and assessment.

When you start your assignment you must choose a subject. Limit your subject area. Conduct your search; check class notes, search the internet, consult indexes, guides and other library references, discuss assignment with others, and use prewriting strategies. Explore for possible topics by making a writing journal, freewriting, listing, and clustering.

After you select a subject you begin collecting information. Figure out what you already know about the topic and begin to ask questions. Identify possible sources; give yourself enough time, be aware of the limits of your resources, use existing resources to find more information, ask for help and bookmark useful website. Explore different sources of information and carry out your research.