Informative Writing: The 5-Step Writing Process

Here are the steps of the writing process:

1. PREWRITING- Think
  X  Brainstorm in your Writer's Notebook

  X  Outline and create T-charts in your Writer's Notebook

  X  Research your topic. Use at least two credible sources.



2. DRAFTING- Write
  X   Put the information into your own words. Share your voice!

  X   Construct complete sentences and form them into paragraphs. Remember, a paragraph is three-five sentences in length.

  _   Read your writing to yourself, at least one time out loud and one time silently.



3. REVISING- Make it Better
  _   Read it to yourself again.

  _   Make sure that you have complete sentences. Check for capital letters for the beginning of sentences and for proper nouns. Did you use the correct punctuation, especially at the ends of your sentences? Did you indent for each new sub-topic/paragraph?

  _   Add or take out parts as needed. Is your paper at least one page long?

  _   How is the flow? Does your paper flow smoothly, using at least one transition per paragraph?



4. PROOFREADING- Make it Correct

  _   Read it to yourself again.

  _   Peer Edit: Remember this? Fill out a peer edit sheet, on your own writing, and then have a peer read your paper and do the same.

  _   Read it to yourself again. Make all of the changes your peer has suggested, that make sense to you; ask questions.

  _   Did you read it again? Does it represent you, and your voice? Is it based on fact and written in your own words? 

  _   Re-type all changes that you have decided need to be made, and you will have your finished product!

5. PUBLISHING-Share the finished product

  _   Read it to the class.

  _   Create a Keynote/Powerpoint slideshow of your paper. Make it at least 3 slides in length, including the Sources page.

  _   Add visuals that help illustrate your writing.

   _   Say in a loud voice, "I did it! I finished my informative writing and slideshow! Hip, hip, HOORAY!"