Summary of the Writing Process Phase 2: Research, Organize and Compose
There are 3 steps to effective writing: research, organize, and compose. Research involves collecting data that will inform the receiver of the topic at hand. Research can be done formally, informally, and through brainstorming. Formal research involves using a computer, manual searching, going to primary sources, and scientific experimentation. Informal research involves looking at existing files, speaking with the individual that assigned the task, speaking with your target audience, and conducting an informal survey.
Organizing is putting similar ideas together. There are 2 techniques to organize data: The scratch list involves jotting down ideas that need to be covered in the message, while the outline is more organized and can be done in alphanumeric or decimal format. Outlines group ideas into major categories and subcategories. Next, ideas need to be organized into patterns. The direct pattern (frontloading) begins with the main idea and then goes into further detail, while the indirect pattern does the opposite. The choice in pattern used depends on the receptiveness of the audience.
Once research and organization have been done, it is time to compose. In order to express ideas well, create effective sentences. Creating effective sentences involves using basic sentence elements effectively, using short sentences (20 words or less), emphasizing important ideas (underscoring, italicizing, boldfacing), being aware of when to use an active voice or a passive voice, and placing modifiers well within sentences. To compose paragraphs, discuss one topic per paragraph by using main sentences, supporting sentences, and limiting sentences. These sentences can then be arranged into 3 types of paragraphs: direct, pivoting, and indirect depending on the purpose of the message. Paragraphs should move from one coherent idea to the next. This can be done by repeating key words, using pronouns, and dovetailing sentences. Transitional words guide the audience.
Website's content is a summary of chapter 6 of the "Business Communication: Process and Product" textbook.
Organizing is putting similar ideas together. There are 2 techniques to organize data: The scratch list involves jotting down ideas that need to be covered in the message, while the outline is more organized and can be done in alphanumeric or decimal format. Outlines group ideas into major categories and subcategories. Next, ideas need to be organized into patterns. The direct pattern (frontloading) begins with the main idea and then goes into further detail, while the indirect pattern does the opposite. The choice in pattern used depends on the receptiveness of the audience.
Once research and organization have been done, it is time to compose. In order to express ideas well, create effective sentences. Creating effective sentences involves using basic sentence elements effectively, using short sentences (20 words or less), emphasizing important ideas (underscoring, italicizing, boldfacing), being aware of when to use an active voice or a passive voice, and placing modifiers well within sentences. To compose paragraphs, discuss one topic per paragraph by using main sentences, supporting sentences, and limiting sentences. These sentences can then be arranged into 3 types of paragraphs: direct, pivoting, and indirect depending on the purpose of the message. Paragraphs should move from one coherent idea to the next. This can be done by repeating key words, using pronouns, and dovetailing sentences. Transitional words guide the audience.
Website's content is a summary of chapter 6 of the "Business Communication: Process and Product" textbook.