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Writing Academic Essays



THE WRITING PROCESS

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The writing process is something that no two people do the same way. There is no
"right way" or "wrong way" to write. It can be a very messy and fluid process,
and the following is only a representation of commonly used steps. Remember you
can come to the Writing Center for assistance at any stage in this process. 


STEPS OF THE WRITING PROCESS




STEP 1: PREWRITING

Think and Decide

 * Make sure you understand your assignment. See Research Papers or Essays
 * Decide on a topic to write about. See  Prewriting Strategies and Narrow your
   Topic
 * Consider who will read your work. See Audience and Voice
 * Brainstorm ideas about the subject and how those ideas can be organized. Make
   an outline. See Outlines


STEP 2: RESEARCH (IF NEEDED) 

Search

 * List places where you can find information.
 * Do your research. See the many KU Libraries resources and helpful guides
 * Evaluate your sources. See Evaluating Sources and Primary vs. Secondary
   Sources
 * Make an outline to help organize your research. See Outlines


STEP 3: DRAFTING

Write

 * Write sentences and paragraphs even if they are not perfect.
 * Create a thesis statement with your main idea. See Thesis Statements
 * Put the information you researched into your essay accurately without
   plagiarizing. Remember to include both in-text citations and a bibliographic
   page. See Incorporating References and Paraphrase and Summary 
 * Read what you have written and judge if it says what you mean. Write some
   more.
 * Read it again.
 * Write some more.
 * Read it again.
 * Write until you have said everything you want to say about the topic.


STEP 4: REVISING

Make it Better

 * Read what you have written again. See Revising Content and Revising
   Organization
 * Rearrange words, sentences, or paragraphs into a clear and logical order. 
 * Take out or add parts.
 * Do more research if you think you should.
 * Replace overused or unclear words.
 * Read your writing aloud to be sure it flows smoothly. Add transitions.


STEP 5: EDITING AND PROOFREADING

Make it Correct

 * Be sure all sentences are complete. See Editing and Proofreading
 * Correct spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.
 * Change words that are not used correctly or are unclear.
 * Make sure you are using the appropriate style formatting.
   * APA Formatting
   * Chicago Style Formatting
   * MLA Formatting 
 * Have someone else check your work.

Anschutz Library, Room 424
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Lawrence, KS 66045
writing@ku.edu
785-864-7733
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