THE WRITING PROCESS

Writing Workshop
Pn Vasantha Mallar
Majlis Guru Cemerlang
JPWP KL
Planning your Writing
1. Brainstorm jot down ideas, key words &
phrases.
2. Planning plot lines; make use of
graphics.
3. Flow chart shows different stages of an
essay able to structure work correctly,
follow chronological order, encourages
lateral thinking.
Introduction / orientation
Body / development
Conclusion / resolution
INTRODUCTION
BODY /
DEVELOPMENT
CONCLUSION /
RESOLUTION
BODY/
DEVELOPMENT
TITLE
Time
Setting
Introduces
characters
Series of events
Complications
Climax
Tie up loose ends
May include a moral.
MIND MAPS
Allows you to have enough ideas
Focuses on thoughts and ideas
Orders your thoughts logically and
sequentially
SAMPLE WRITING
MIND MAPS
Mind Maps
At Work
The paragraph is a series of
sentences developing one
topic.
The Topic Sentence

The topic of a paragraph is
stated in one sentence. This
is called the topic sentence.
The rest of the paragraph consists of
sentences that develop or explain the
main idea.
Through the centuries rats
have managed to survive all our
efforts to destroy them. We
have poisoned them and
trapped them. We have
fumigated, flooded, and burned
them. We have tried germ
warfare. Some rats even
survived atomic bomb tests
conducted on Entwetok atoll in
the Pacific after World War II. In
spite of all our efforts, these
enemies of ours continue to
prove that they are the most
indestructible of pests.
Developing a Paragraph
Unity in the
Paragraph
Every sentence in a paragraph should support the main
idea expressed in the topic sentence.
The concluding or
clincher sentence
Restate the topic sentence in different
words.

A clincher sentence or concluding
sentence clinches the point made in the
paragraph.

It summarizes the paragraph.
Coherence in a Paragraph
Stick to the point: The ideas
have a clear and logical relation to each
other.
Put details or examples or
incidents in logical order.
4
3
2
1
chronological
in relation to each other
in order of importance
Connecting Sentences
Within the Paragraph
chronological
order
first
meanwhile
later
afterwards
finally


objects in relation to
one another
next to
in front of
beside
between
behind
in order of
importance
however
furthermore
as a result
in fact
yet
Transition words
Types of Paragraphs
The narrative paragraph
tells a story
The persuasive paragraph.
tries to convince the audience
The descriptive paragraph
describes something
The expository or explanatory
paragraph
gives information or explains something

Hints to enhance writing
1. Write what you know about
Read through topics carefully
Dismiss topics that you are not sure of
Do not write off topic
Avoid topic if unsure of format.
Try to be original.
2. Write in full sentences
Walking across the road
The girl was walking across the road.
Enhance writing
3. Vary paragraph and sentence length.
4. Vary sentence construction.
5. Ensure subject verb agreement is
correct.
6. Decide on the most suitable tense
for your topic same tense
throughout writing.
7. Include sensory detail.
STRONG VERBS - energy and impact
IMAGERY well-positioned figures of
speech
DETAILS focuses on specific
information think small
EXPERIENCE
SUGGESTION avoid stating the
obvious / lets readers think for
themselves
Try to avoid
Repetition of words at the beginning of
sentences.
Repetitive sentence structure.
Overuse of adjectives and adverbs.
Overused words.
Slang usage.
Unnecessary big words.
Ambiguity.
Numerals.
Easy steps to becoming
a great writer
Expository
Persuasive
Descriptive
Narrative
What is an expository essay? It
Gives facts.
Explains.
Gives steps in a
process.
Presents ideas in
logical order or correct
sequence.

What are the key words that show
it is an expository prompt?
1. Most people enjoy some type of music.
Think about your favorite type of music
and explain why you like that particular
type of music.
2. Sometimes even the best drivers can get
lost at times. Explain how you would
direct a lost man to get back to the
nearest highway from your
neighborhood.
3. Tell how to repair a leaking tap.

YOU WILL FIND THESE WORDS IN THE PROMPT
EXPLAIN or TELL HOW.
What is a descriptive essay?
Sensory images
are used to
describe what the
writer sees, hears,
smells, touches,
and tastes.
It paints a clear
description of
people, places,
objects, or events.
What are the key words that show it is a
descriptive prompt?
Describe your bedroom. Imagine telling someone who
has never visited you.

There are many tourist spots to visit in Sarawak.
Describe your favorite place to take visitors. You
may want to tell what you will see, hear, smell and
how you feel when you are there.

Tell us what you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel on
the first day of Hari Raya.
YOU MUST DESCRI BE OR
TELL WHAT A PERSON CAN
SEE, HEAR, SMELL, TASTE OR FEEL.
What is a persuasive essay?

You are asked to
prove something.
Give reasons why.
Present arguments
against your
reasons. Show them
to be false.
Take a stand
Ask or call for an
action.
What are the key words that show its a
persuasive prompt?
Persuade a close friend to donate blood as part of a
blood drive that your school is sponsoring for the Red
Cross.
Some of your kid brothers friends have taken up
smoking and want him to start too. Write a
convincing letter to your kid brother to not take up
this habit.
Write a letter to the editor of the newspaper telling
why all parents must teach their children not to waste
water.
YOU WILL NOTICE THE WORDS PERSUADE,
CONVINCE OR TELL WHY SOMEONE SHOULD
DO SOMETHING.
What is a
narrative?
A narrative
Tells a story.
Has chronological
order and sequence
of events.
Has action.
Has conflicts or
problems.
Has dialogue.
Has characters.
Has a definite
beginning, middle and
end.

What are the key words that show
that these are narrative prompts?
You and your friend find a big box that is labeled Do
Not Open. Your friend wants to open the box. Write
a story about what happens next.

Tell about a time when you made a serious mistake.

Two little girls found a wallet on the sidewalk. Tell
what happened next.






NOTE THE WORDS: WRITE A STORY or
TELL ABOUT A TIME, or
TELL WHAT HAPPENED NEXT.
Ready to write? First determine what type
prompt you have. You should read your
prompt at least three times.
Expository--explain, tell how
Descriptive--describe
Persuasive---persuade or
convince
Narrative-- tell about a time
when, tell a story
Use your scratch paper to brain storm and then
make an outline for a five paragraph essay.
Think Brainstorm- PACO
P-What is your purpose?
A- Who is your
audience?
C- Content --What are
your ideas for
details, facts, or
reasons?
O- Organization --Think
how you want to
structure your paper.
Jot down these ideas.
NOW START YOUR OUTLINE, OR WEB!
examples
elaboration
explanation
KEY IDEA
examples
elaboration
explanation
KEY IDEA
Descriptive(details)
Persuasive (reasons)
Expository (facts/steps)
Conclusion
Summarize the points
you made in the essay
go back to the introduction
examples
elaboration
explanation
KEY IDEA
examples
elaboration
explanation
KEY IDEA
Descriptive(details)
Persuasive (reasons)
Expository (facts/steps)
examples
elaboration
explanation
KEY IDEA
examples
elaboration
explanation
KEY IDEA
Descriptive(details)
Persuasive (reasons)
Expository (facts/steps)
Introduce your topic
Give 3 details, reasons, facts or steps in a process
You will talk about in your paper.
First Paragraph
Second Paragraph Third Fourth
Fifth Paragraph
examples
elaboration
explanation
KEY IDEA
examples
elaboration
explanation
KEY IDEA
D(details)
P (reasons)
E (facts/steps)
Conclusion
Summarize the points
you made in the essay
go back to the introduction
examples
elaboration
explanation
KEY IDEA
examples
elaboration
explanation
KEY IDEA
D(details)
P (reasons)
E (facts/steps)
examples
elaboration
explanation
KEY IDEA
examples
elaboration
explanation
KEY IDEA
D(details)
P (reasons)
E (facts/steps)
Introduce your topic
Give 3 details, reasons, facts or steps in a process
You will talk about in your paper.
FIRST PARAGRAPH
Lets prepare to write an
essay!
Heres the prompt.

There are many advantages in attending
tuition classes. What are some of them?
What kind of prompt do we have?
Did you say expository? Youre right!
Use your rough paper
Jot down a few transitions.
What are transitions?
Words or phrases that connect ideas
or introduce the topic.
Such as one, if, although, however,
finally, in conclusion, first, second,
next, additionally,consequently
Make an outline or web. Develop a
1-3-1 plan.
One Paragraph for the
introduction.
Three paragraphs for the body.
One paragraph for the
conclusion.
Additionally
One
First
Second
Next Another-
if
Although Finally
In conclusion
Indeed
Consequently
Stars are
key ideas or controlling
statements.
Explanations
Examples,
Evidence are listed below.
spending time with friends
choose food
no line
more freedom
Ms. Trunchbull
And Ms. Honey
changing classes
and teachers
good/ fun things
sitting in math longer
makes me sick
stress-stomach hurts
more tests and harder
compare to stale food
not like elementary school
Sat test
bad things
not get to sit with friends
pull up grades
too much
HOMEWORK
Fun to play & compete
clothes sweat
PE
might be boring
miss school
field trips
things that are good
and bad
What's Good & Bad About 7th gr
Provide a hook- Ask a question
talk about the good, bad and things both good and bad
Conclusion: Sum up what youve said. Refer back to your introduction.
This is an important step!
Dont try to write your paper
without doing an outline first.

Why?!


You will be graded on
organization.
Introductions for expository,
descriptive and persuasive
essays should.
Grab the readers attention.

Or -- Let the reader know what youre going
to talk about.

Or--Show a plan for what youre going to
be talking about in the three body paragraphs.

Or --State what the audience will learn in this
essay.
Sample Introduction
Although I have taken many wonderful
vacations, my trip with my two best friends to the
Mulu Caves is one I will always remember. This was
a fantastic trip because of the sights we saw, the
people we met, the adventures we enjoyed, and the
laughs we shared.
Whats the plan?
Whats the topic?
Each part of the
plan will be
developed into
paragraphs.
After you make your outline, start
writing your introduction.
Leave space at the top for two more
lines. ( It wont count against
you.)You might come back later to
insert a little background information in
the introduction. Remember to grab
interest and show the plan of your
paper in the introduction.
Introduction
Have you ever thought about what are
the good and the bad things in form four?
There are good things like changing classes and
more freedom. Some of the bad things are you
have to stay in school longer, you have more
tests, and these tests get harder. Stay with me as
I explain the good and bad things about being
in form four.
How does the writer grab your attention?
Lets start on the body. Go
back to your outline for the
second paragraph.
Good Fun Things
-Changing classes and teachers
-(name of teachers)
More Freedom
- no lines
-See friends at lunch


First I will tell you about the good and fun things
about being in form four. You get to change
classes so you meet more teachers and learn
from different teaching styles. Another thing I
enjoy is more freedom. We dont have to walk in
straight lines as if we were soldiers marching off
to war. Next, you can get your own food in the
canteen. I like spending time with my friends so if
there are not in one of my classes, I can see them
at lunch.
Transition words help!
Does he explain, give examples, use metaphors?
Look back at your outline for
the third paragraph
Bad things
Test
-not like forms one to three
-compare to stale bread
more tests and harder
-stress stomach hurts
-math makes me sick

Next Im writing about the bad things you go through in
form four. First of all you have to take the different tests.
In form three you did not have to worry about this kind of
thing. The test-taking is like eating stale food because it
can hurt you and it can be boring. The tests get harder
as you go on. We have so many of them they can cause
a major stress and make you feel like your stomach was
just pulled out. While I was in form three, we got out
fifteen minutes earlier. Sitting in math class for that extra
minutes makes me feel terrible inside.

Did you find the transitions? What are
the key ideas? How does he explain his
key ideas? What is the metaphor?
Look back to your outline before
writing the fourth paragraph
things that are both good & bad
Field Trips
-miss school
-might be boring
PE
-clothes sweat
-fun to play and compete
Homework
-too much
-pull up grades

Finally my next category is going to be things that
come good and bad. First field trips are extremely fun
because you can talk and miss school. However its bad if
you go somewhere boring or cant sit with your friend.
Everybody loves P.E. because we play real sports with
competitiveness. But sadly when were leaving PE, my
clothes get sweaty which doesnt feel good. Everybody
knows the pluses and minuses of Homework! We have so
much homework it just takes the energy out of you, which
is bad. What is good about it is that the more homework
you have, the better chance you have to pull up your
grade.
Did you find the transitions? What are the key ideas?
How does he explain his key ideas?
Now we are ready for the fifth
paragraph the conclusion which will
summarize our main points or key
ideas in the body.
Good and bad things
freedom
changing classes
going to school longer
tests
Good and Bad
Homework
PE
Fieldtrips
In conclusion the seventh grade has good and bad things
involved. Such as more freedom, and changing classes.
Some other things are tests, going to school longer, and
quizzes and tests. Homework, P.E., and field trips fall into
both of those categories.
What are your transitions? Does the writer
sum up what he written? Does he refer back
to the introduction.
This paragraph was from an actual essay
written by a student for a writing assessment.
His organization gave him a B+
Whoops! What did we forget?
Did you think title? You are right!
How about The Good and Bad Things About
being in Form Four
Nah Boring. Interesting titles have an action word.
How about- Good and Bad Things Happen in
Form Four better
How about Form Four, Good or Bad- You Be the
Judge
Remember we said to leave a little space
at the top. Lets look at an essay and see
why
2. In the near future I would like to become a forensic
scientist and help solve crimes. The steps I would have
to take to achieve my goals are finishing school, practice
the procedure of my major, and be successful in
everything I do.
What My Near Future Would Be Like
After rereading he came back to add a little background
information. This is an important step Reread to
IMPROVE.
1. Ive always found the solving of crimes by DNA
evidence to be interesting. A forensic scientist is doctor
who examines data.
Now Lets Look At Narrative
Tell about a time
Write a story

Chronological
sequence of events
Dialogue
Action
Problems, conflicts
Beginning, Middle,
End
Do you think there is a
love story here?
Use this
type of
outline
for a
Narrative
STORY TITLE
Event
Event
ENDING
Event
Event
Introduction
CLIMAX
Some typical story transition
words
One day
Suddenly
During
Until
Yesterday
Meanwhile
Afterwards
While



Typically transitions
are about time.
After, before, since,
later..
How to get your story rolling
I. Begin by describing
a character.

Wong Lay Yuan, a star on
our school basketball
team, is very lucky. (Why?)
He recently received a
scholarship to. (What?)
II. Get the story rolling with
dialogue
Whats that smell?
the form four students
complained.
Finish your experiment
and well head outside
to get away from it,
said their teacher.
What punctuation goes
with the words said?
Did you say quotation
marks? Youre right!
III. Get the story rolling
Provide a where with
prepositional phrases:
Near the park
Below the surface of
the water
In Bukit Bintang
Throughout the
crowded room
Inside the dining room

Sample of a fairly good beginning.
It was an early Tuesday
morning in Tokyo
Japan. The sun started
to rise over Juan Lees
house. Boom! Juan Lee
and his friend Jen went
to see what was with all
of the commotion. Then
the door came crashing
down. It turned out that
Juans aunt, Mrs. Lee
had kicked the door
down.
How does he start his
story? How does he grab
interest?
Can you tell which passage is
narrative and which is expository?
Marty and I jumped to our feet.
Ohhhh. I heard Marty let out a
frightened moan.
I started to back away. I thought
maybe I could scramble out the
other side of the car.
But the snarling, growling
monsters came at us from both
sides. L-leave us alone. I
stammered.
A monster covered in tangled
brown fur opened
After Christopher
Columbuss voyages to the
New World, many
Spaniards came to this
continent to explore. One
Spanish explorer was
Ponce De Leon. He
traveled through present-
day Florida to find the
Fountain of Youth. A
second explorer, Coronado
searched for the Seven
Cities of Gold. He and his
men traveled
Expository
Narrative
Put it all together and write!
Does this give you an overall review of
what weve studied for writing?
There are many things that fit together
to help us become excellent writers.
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Let us look at it again
Identify your prompt
Plan your work with an outline.
Give your work a title with an action word.
Grab interest in the beginning
Build your paragraph with explanations,
examples, & evidence following the topic
statement or key statement.
Use strong action words
Use vivid adjectives
Use metaphors
Finished? Reread & reread to improve and
clarify.


English Grammar
Parts
of
Speech
Eight Parts of Speech
Nouns
Adjectives
Conjunctions
Interjections
Word that names
A Person
An Idea
A Thing
A Place
Kinds of Nouns
Common Nouns
boy
girl
Proper Nouns
John
Mary
Singular Nouns
boy
girl
Plural Nouns
boys
girls
Singular Possessive
boys
girls
Plural Possessive
boys
girls
A word that expresses action or otherwise
helps to make a statement
Action
be verbs
&
taste
feel
sound
look
appear
become
seem
grow
remain
stay
Every sentence must
have
a
Kinds of Verbs
Action verbs
express mental or
physical action.

Linking verbs make
a statement by
connecting the
subject with a word
that describes or
explains it.
He rode the horse to
victory.
He has been sick.
The pronoun is a word used in place of one or more nouns.
It may stand for a person, place, thing, or idea.
I ndefinite Pronouns
anybody
each
either
none
someone, one, etc.
Modifies or describes a
noun or pronoun.
Is that a wool sweater?
Just give me five minutes.
Did you lose your address
book?
Answers these questions:
Modifies or describes
a verb, an adjective,
or another adverb.
Answers the questions:
He ran quickly.
She left yesterday.
We went there.
It was too hot! To what degree or how much?
Interrogative
Adverbs
introduce questions
How did you break your
leg?
How often do
you run?
Where did you put the
mouse trap?
A preposition introduces a noun or pronoun
or a phrase or clause functioning in the sentence
as a noun. The word or word group that the
preposition introduces is its object.
They received a postcard from Bobby telling

about his trip to Canada.
The preposition never stands alone!
object of
preposition
preposition
object
can have more than
one object
object can have modifiers
You can press those leaves under glass.
Her telegram to Nina and Ralph brought good news.
It happened during the last examination.
Some Common Prepositions

aboard
about
above
across
after
against
along
among
around
at
before

behind
below
beneath
beside
between
beyond
by
down
during
except
for
from
in
into
like
of
off
on
over
past
since
through

throughout
to
toward
under
underneath
until
up
upon
with
within
without

The Conjunction
A conjunction is a word that joins words
or groups of words.
or
but
The interjection
is an exclamatory word that expresses
emotion
Goodness! What a cute baby!
Wow! Look at that
sunset!
Thats all for
now folks. . .