Thinking About Writing
1. Can you:
2. Can you do all of them at the same time?
3. Can you:
4. Can you do all of them at the same time?
In the same way that you can not expect to wash up, type an assignment using a word processor, go shopping, and give someone directions to your house at the same time, you can not expect to produce a good text without making the tasks separate.
We will look at each of these tasks in turn.
Think of what the question really means
If you do not fully understand the question or the task that you have been asked to complete you will never be able to do a satisfactory job. It will save you a lot of time if you spend a little time understanding the task. Ask, if necessary and if possible.
Try to think of lots of ideas related to the topic
This, of course, refers to the topic in the question or task. This stage is called "brainstorming". In this stage you should not try to judge the ideas that you, or you and your group, can produce. You should try to produce as many ideas as you can. What may seem like the craziest idea at first may turn out to be an original ideal solution.
Plan the order that you would like to present an argument
You may have a lot of good ideas, but if you do not present them to your listener or reader in a logical order they will not be able to follow them clearly. You may even make them think that you do not have a good answer or solution.
Think of what vocabulary you should use to best convey your ideas
Here we see the problem of mixing 'what' you are going to say or write with the 'how'. It is extremely difficult to try and do both at the same time, but, with a little planning, it is completely unnecessary to try. Using the right words to express yourself is extremely important. Come of these words will come to you as you write, but you can also prepare before writing by brainstorming and making notes of words which you think you will need to use.
Make sure that you are using the correct grammar
As with the previous heading, you need to be able focus on your use of language while you are using it. You can not do this if you are still trying to think of ideas.
Make sure that you do not take too long to say what you want
It may seem strange, but taking the time to plan and prepare what you are going to write or say before you write or speak, and thinking about how you are going to do it, will save you a lot of time.
If you do not believe me just try it!
Look at this diagram which shows the recommended procedure for approaching a piece of writing, or a presentation, whether this is an assignment or an examination question.
Discuss the model with a friend, and then use it when you plan your next presentation, and in all your pieces of writing.