The Purdue OWL: The Writing Process

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The Writing Process

These OWL resources will help you with the writing process: pre-writing (invention), developing research questions and outlines, composing thesis statements, and proofreading. While the writing process may be different for each person and for each particular assignment, the resources contained in this section follow the general work flow of pre-writing, organizing, and revising. For resources and examples on specific types of writing assignments, please go to our Common Writing Assignments area.

Writing Task Resource List

This resource will help you find OWL material for the many different kinds of writing tasks you may face in school and in the workplace.

Starting the Writing Process

Tips for how to start a writing assignment.

Prewriting (Invention)
This section explains the prewriting (invention) stage of the composing process. It includes processes, strategies, and questions to help you begin to write.

Writer's Block
Help in overcoming writer's block and a short series of exercises to get you writing.

Stasis Theory
This resource provides an overview of stasis theory and what you can do with it to help you conduct research, compose documents, and work in teams.

Creating a Thesis Statement

This resource provides tips for creating a thesis statement and examples of different types of thesis statements.

Developing an Outline
This resource describes why outlines are useful, what types of outlines exist, suggestions for developing effective outlines, and how outlines can be used as an invention strategy for writing.

Reverse Outlining
This exercise is useful for either difficult texts that you must read, or as a way to revise your work for organization and clarity.

Proofreading
Proofreading is primarily about searching your writing for errors, both grammatical and typographical, before submitting your paper for an audience (a teacher, a publisher, etc.). Use this resource to help you find and fix common errors.

The Purdue OWL: The Writing Process

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