Chapter 11 - The Writing Process: Drafting, Revising, and Editing

Drafting

• Objective: Transform ideas from the outline into complete sentences and paragraphs.
• Essay Structure:
  • Minimum: Introduction, three body paragraphs, and conclusion.
  • Flexibility: More than three body paragraphs are acceptable if needed.
• Tips for Drafting:
  • Start with the easiest or most familiar part of the topic.
  • Write one paragraph at a time to avoid mixing up ideas.
  • Take short breaks to prevent exhaustion and maintain clarity.
  • Set reasonable goals, considering other commitments.
  • Keep the audience (the instructor with medical training) in mind.

Draft Components

• Definition: A complete piece of writing with full sentences and addressing smaller points.
• Introduction:
  • Short paragraph including a thesis statement.
  • Should hook the reader (e.g., express importance or include an interesting fact).
• Topic Sentences:
  • Connect the idea of each paragraph back to the thesis statement.
  • Ideally placed at the beginning or end of the paragraph for clarity.
• Supporting Sentences:
  • Include facts, research, and details that support the main idea of the paragraph.
• Conclusion Sentences:
  • Wrap up the paragraph and connect it back to the thesis statement.

Paragraph Considerations

• Length:
  • Varies based on the importance and the amount of research available.
  • Shorter paragraphs for less critical or researched topics.
  • Longer paragraphs for more detailed or important topics.
• Splitting Paragraphs:
  • If a paragraph is too long (over three-quarters of a page), break it into two.
  • Use transitional words to maintain reader engagement.
• Title:
  • Should allude to the main point of the paper.
  • Best written after the first draft is completed.

Revision and Editing

• Timing:
  • Start early and allow adequate time for multiple revisions and edits.
• Revision Process:
  • Intensive examination of main points and ideas to ensure clarity, accuracy, and conciseness.
• Editing Process:
  • Polishing the writing by changing words, adding/removing words, and correcting grammar and punctuation.

Unity and Coherence

• Unity:
  • Ideas in a paragraph should be connected to the main idea and in a logical order.
  • A robust outline should facilitate unity.
  • Avoid rushing to prevent sentences that don't make sense or tie into the main topic.
  • Write when you're most productive.
• Coherence:
  • Illustrates a flow throughout the paper.
  • Use of transition words to connect ideas back to the thesis statement and to each other.
  • Pay attention to paragraph order (e.g., history of a procedure should come earlier).

Transition Words

• Purpose: To introduce new subpoints and connect them to the main essay and thesis statement.
• Examples (see page 427 for a comprehensive list):
  • Illustrating Time: meanwhile, afterward, at first.
  • Showing Position: above, opposite, beyond.
  • Showing Importance: above all, especially.
  • Showing Conclusions: hence, therefore, thus.
  • Continuing a Line of Thought: consequently, furthermore, additionally.
  • Introducing Final Thoughts: finally, most of all, in conclusion.

Identifying and Correcting Issues

• Wordiness:
  • Eliminate unnecessary words to get the main point across concisely.
  • Avoid sentences that start with "there is" or "there are".
  • Remove unnecessary modifiers and phrases that add little meaning.
  • Shorten sentences to be as concise as possible.
• Passive Voice:
  • Passive voice is when the subject of a sentence is being acted on, rather than doing the action themselves.
  • Example comparison:
    • Active: She writes a letter.
    • Passive: A letter is being written by her.
• Inappropriate Words:
  • Avoid slang and overly casual language.
  • Avoid contractions when inappropriate.
  • Avoid clichés (e.g., "better late than never").
  • Be careful with words that sound alike but have different meanings (e.g., principal vs. principle).
  • Be mindful of words with connotations, either positive or negative.
  • Be as specific as possible.

Peer Review

• Process: Exchange papers with classmates for feedback.
• Template: Use a peer review template (example on page 432) to structure feedback constructively.
• Receiving Feedback:
  • View feedback objectively as a learning opportunity.
  • Consider recommendations but don't feel obligated to implement all of them.
• Multiple Sources:
  • Get feedback from multiple sources (e.g., spouse, family).
  • Have different people review the paper at different stages.

Final Editing and Polishing

• Checklists: Use checklists on pages 434 and 435 for grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and word mechanics.
• Tools: Use tools like Grammarly (but only for grammar and punctuation, not AI).
• APA Format:
  • Ensure the paper is in APA format (indents, spacing, sources).