Drafting & Organizing
Writing is a process. After prewriting comes drafting and organizing.
Drafting
Purpose: This is the freest form of writing. It is the first attempt at expressing and explaining ideas in a rough form. Put grammar, spelling and punctuation aside and focus on the content. Focus on writing what you want to say.
Organizing
Purpose: This is a more formal attempt to structure and organize writing. We write differently for different people (e.g., a boss, a child) and for different purposes (e.g., an accident report, a birthday card).
Drafting Strategies
First Drafts
Write down ideas without worrying about spelling, grammar, or punctuation. Focus on content first.
Free Writing
Write continuously without editing or stopping. Let ideas flow freely to overcome blocks.
Language Experience Approach
Use the learner’s spoken words as the basis for writing. Great for beginners and building confidence.
Organizing Strategies
Audience
Think about who will read the writing. This helps shape what to say and how to say it.
Purpose
Clarify why the writing is being done—to inform, persuade, describe, or entertain.
Tone
Match the mood or feeling of the writing to the situation—formal, casual, friendly, serious.
Words
Choose words that fit the audience and purpose. Clear and specific words help get the message across.
Sentences
Organize thoughts into clear sentences. Mix short and long ones for flow and interest.
Paragraphs
Group related ideas together. Use one paragraph for each main idea or topic.