Stages of Writing

Pre-Writing is the first stage of writing which begins with planning. This stage requires thorough
background knowledge about the topic and a proper direction towards the execution of writing plans.
Writing: This is the actual stage of putting the ideas into the paper with the help of topic planning, using
adequate vocabularies and grammatical arrangements. It also requires a proper combination of coverage
of topic with an introduction, central theme and concluding the topic. The last stage of writing consists of
editing and proofreading before coming to the final draft of the writing.
Publishing: Publishing is the final stage of writing which is done after an edited version of written texts.
It requires consultation with the publishing house/agency and bringing out with the printed version of
written texts for public use.

"Writing" is the process of using symbols (letters of the alphabet, punctuation and spaces) to
communicate thoughts and ideas in a readable form. Generally, we write using a pen/pencil (handwriting)
or a keyboard (typing). With a pen/pencil we usually write on a surface such as paper or whiteboard. A
keyboard is normally attached to a typewriter, computer or mobile device. Voice recognition programs
allow those who can't see or use their hands to have their thoughts transcribed.
Writing skills make your written communication effective, for example – Letter writing, article writing, e-
mail writing, and business writing. It makes you able to express yourself in words.
Paying sufficient attention to your writing skills is important because it improves Grammar and the use of
proper punctuation and spelling in your sentence. Writing skill involves clarity and brevity in written
communication and increase engagement with people.
Writing skills are specifics abilities which help writers put their thoughts into words in a meaningful form
and to mentally interact with the message. There are some different definitions of writing explained by
some different linguists. Writing is an integral part of a larger activity where the focus is on something
else such as language practice, acting out or speaking (Harmer,2007:33) On the other hand, writing is the
representation of the language in textual medium through the use of a set of sign or symbols. Some people
consider that writing is difficult. Elbow (1981: 9) states that writing calls on the ability to create words and
ideas out of yourself, but it also calls on the ability to criticize them in order to describe which ones to use.
Writing is the nature of the composing process of writing. Written products are often the result of
thinking, drafting and revising procedures that requires specialized skills, skills that not every speaker
develops naturally (Brown, 2003: 335). Based on the explanation above, it can be concluded that the
definition of writing is process of inventing ideas, thinking about how to express them, and organizing
them into statements and paragraphs which the purpose is used to communicate something with the
other people indirectly, student gets effort to express mind through language in writing.
Process of Writing
Writing is considered as a process as well as product in the expression of language. A leaner has to follow
the steps given below before completing a writing task.
Conceive the idea: Conceiving the idea is the first process to begin the writing where previous knowledge
of the writer and proposed topic for writing is amalgamated.
 Planning to Execute Writing: This is the process under which the writer plans to describe the different
parts of writing. It includes the structure for introduction, the main body of the theme of topic and
conclusion which are done in paragraphs and stepwise.
Actual Writing: This is the phase of the drafting under which the writer actually writes with the help of
adequate use of vocabulary and grammar. It requires thematic clubbing of ideas into an essay or article
form. This phase is a rough draft of the writing subject to revision in the next part.
Reviewing and Editing: This is the process of writing considered as the most important because it applies
proofreading, language and content editing and finalization of the draft as well. It can also be considered
as the pre-stage for publication.
Final Draft: This is the process of providing finishing touch, modification and beautification stage of an
article or essay to be sent for publication.
Note-Taking and Note-Making Note Taking: Note taking is a writing activity based on listening or reading
stages. It is brief and pointed in nature which helps the writer to jot down important items for future use.
This is an important activity but mostly considered incomplete without note making activity. Note Making:
Note making is another important activity in the process of writing. It requires the writer to revise the
points taken during note-taking with the help of other related resources. It can also be considered as a
revised activity of important points made while reading or listening.
Formal and Informal Writing
Formal Writing: Formal writing is performed for structured and professional purposes. Writing letters to
the authority for official purposes is considered as formal letter writing. A letter to the Principal, Vice
Chancellor, Head of the Department, etc. is an example of formal writing.
Informal Writing: Informal writing is performed as writing for casual purposes. It can be considered as a
written form of spoken conversation language. For example: letters written to parents and friend.
Qualities of a good writing
Clarity
Cohesiveness
Logically
Lucidity involves vocabulary syntax illustrations etc.
Objectives of Writing Skill:
The student will be able to express the feelings systematically after thinking and observing.
Students can write legible articles.
Can write the correct spelling of words.
Students will be able to gain knowledge of phonemes, phonological groups, words, hymns, and idioms.
Can use stop signs appropriately.
Will be able to write transcription, typography and dictation.
Will be able to use grammatical language.
He will be able to optimize the alignment of words, phrases and phrases in sentences.
Will form pure sentences with different compositions.
Merits of Writing Skill:
The writing should be beautiful, clear and shapely.
It should have fluency and commitment.
The topic (educational) material should be divided into appropriate paragraphs.
Effectiveness in language and style.
The language should be grammatical.
Be concise, clear and effective when expressed
Techniques of Writing Skill:
Montessori Method – Montessori emphasized the proper use of eyes, ears, and hands in teaching writing.
According to them, the child was first asked to point his fingers at letters made of wood or cardboard, or
plastic.
Then they should move the pencil to the same letters. The pencil should be usually colorful. Similarly, the
child learns to write them after getting acquainted with the nature of letters.
Outlining Method – In this method, the teacher puts the dots on the blackboard or slate with chalk or
pencil or writes down the sentence, and asks the students to write with a pencil on their target, so that
the words, Sentences, letters emerge. Thus, through practice, he learns to write letters.
Independent imitation method – in which the teacher writes the letters on the blackboard, copy or slate
and the students seeing those letters, he himself should make letters under them in the same way.
Comparison Method – The comparison method is considered useful in Hindi-speaking areas. The child
has already practiced writing the mother tongue in the third and fourth grades. Thus: The Hindi language
quickly while comparing it can be learned.
Qualities of Good Handwriting Good handwriting gives a pleasant impression and adds to one’s
personality. According to S. S. M Gaudar, “The inculcation of correct writing habit is a duty which the
teacher dares not shirk. It is a part of the general training of character. Hence, it is highly desirable that
children should be carefully taught the art of the hand writing.” The qualities of good handwriting are:
1. Legibility. A good handwriting demands legibility. Each alphabet and word should be legible.
2. Proper Spacing. A proper space is to be left in between alphabets of a word and words of a sentence.
Para spacing is to be kept in mind.
3. Uniformity. Uniformity is to be maintained throughout the content.
4. Distinctiveness. Every word should be distinct and clearly visible emphasizing it own importance.
5. Good Styled. There are various styles in writing. A proper single style maintained throughout. A simple
handwriting is always a good handwriting.
6. Straight Lines. Good handwriting always runs in straight lines with a same start.
7. Size of Letters. The size of the letters has to be in accordance with the space available and the age group
of the learners.
8. Use of Proper Punctuation Marks. Punctuation marks are like a beautiful garland to a beautiful bride.
Thus, the use of proper punctuation lines up the good handwriting and adds charm and beauty to the
handwriting.
Defects in Writing Skill and Their Improvement Cause of Bad Handwriting. Some of the causes of bad
handwriting are:
1. Many teachers have a very bad handwriting and as the children imitate their teachers, they imitate bad
handwriting also.
2. The teachers never lay stress on the qualities of good handwriting.
3. The use of wrong pens spoils the handwriting.
4. The postures of some students spoil their handwriting.
5. The wrong ways of holding a pen or pencil also effects handwriting.
6. Lack of practice in writing.
7. Four – lined notebooks are used for a very short period.
Measures for Improvement. Some of the measures for improvement to acquire good handwriting are: 1.
Use of four lined notebooks.
2. Use of proper sitting notebooks.
3. Properly holding a pen or pencil.
4. The teacher’s guidance throughout the session mostly at early stage of learning writing.
5. Showing model handwriting and motivating the students.
6. Checking and correcting mistakes of students a all the stages by the teacher is very important.
7. Using blackboards for difficult words.
8. Individual attention.
9. Rigorous practice.
10. Arranging handwriting competitions.
11. Awarding the students with good handwriting.
12. Displaying the good handwriting material of students in the classrooms, corridors, display boards etc.