Writing Process & Critical Reading — Quick Reference

Writing as a Cycle

Writing is a cycle, not a straight line: prewrite, draft, feedback, revise, submit—often looping back as understanding grows. Failure is part of the process.
Aim for a flexible cycle to reflect real work: you may revisit brainstorming after researching, or re-outline after a draft.

Brainstorm with multiple methods (word clouds, freewriting, circles, conversation).
Prewriting also includes non-writing activities: walking, doing chores, talking with others can spark ideas.
Identify audience early (class paper vs. workplace email vs. explaining to parents) to guide tone and content.
Set up a space that suits you; environment affects inspiration.
If stuck, allow yourself to move away briefly; ideas can surface during non-writing tasks.

Plotter: outlines and planned structure.
Pantser: write to discover what you want to say.
Neither is inherently right or wrong; choose what works for you and the assignment.
Even in academic writing, some outlining helps with tight timelines and avoiding backtracking.

Draft to develop your main idea and supporting points; turn brainstorm into a thesis.
Think of a thesis as a movie trailer: what the paper is about and why it matters.
If drafting reveals a weak thesis or missing support, return to prewriting or brainstorming to adjust.

Share drafts for feedback; allow time to digest feedback before acting.
Common reactions: defensiveness, over-reaction, or unquestioning acceptance.
Feedback should be constructive, not just critical; you’re in control of what you apply.
No obligation to implement all feedback; keep ownership of your paper.

Three Cs: Content, Clarity, Correctness.
Content: remove irrelevant material; keep what supports your argument; consider “kill your darlings.”
Clarity: ensure logical connections; readers should follow from A to B to C without gaps.
Correctness: grammar, punctuation, spelling.
Revision practice: apply these to short samples; discuss what to add, cut, or revise.
Overwriters vs. underwriters: overwriters may need to cut more; underwriters should add concise, meaningful content.

Reading purpose first: entertainment, assignment, or information gathering.
Skim for structure: title, author, headings, images to gauge argument direction.
Read for comprehension: focus, minimize distractions, possibly multiple readings.
Annotation goal: improve understanding and prepare for writing.
Annotation strategies: margins, bullet points, highlights, post-its, separate notes.

Focus prompts: what’s being sold; first impressions; branding; fonts, colors, layout; emotion evoked; use of space.
Example prompts you can use: identify focal point, note emotions, assess whether the ad’s argument is effective, consider context.
Context matters: knowing brand and product helps interpret the message.

Burke’s Parlor: enter a discussion after others have started; listen to both sides before responding.
In writing, read opposing viewpoints and acknowledge counterarguments when making your claim.
You don’t have to “settle” the debate; add your perspective and address counterarguments.

When reading sources for a paper, determine purpose and audience.
Skim, then read for comprehension; annotate to capture key claims, evidence, and potential counterpoints.
Context and authorial intent help you evaluate how to use the source in your argument.

Read: Chapter 6, Reading to Engage and Respond (in textbook).
Read: Sanctuary of School by Linda Berry (on D2L module 1) to analyze personal narrative style and argumentative purpose.
As you read, consider: if writing about your experience, would you do it differently? What’s the point beyond the story?
Be ready to brainstorm in class and decide whether you align with Option 1 or Option 2 for your paper.
If you use the Level Up Library, submit a screenshot in the designated Dropbox.

In-class discussion prompts: heated arguments and listening to counterarguments.
Social media experiment: 5-minute scrolling to observe disagreement vs. alignment; discuss implications for argument and echo chambers.
Use the Burke’s Parlor mindset to frame your writing as listening to multiple sides, then contributing your reasoned 2¢.
Practice with short, concrete tasks (annotation on ads) to build ready-to-transfer skills for reading and writing tasks.