The writing
process
The steps in the writing process
Pre-
Drafting Revising Editing Publishing
writing
1. Pre-writing
• Brainstorm ideas and choose a
topic.
• Research and gather information.
• Organise thoughts using outlines,
mind maps, or lists.
• Define your purpose and audience. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY
2. Drafting
• Begin writing your first
version.
• Focus on getting ideas down
without worrying about
perfection.
• Follow your outline but allow
flexibility.
• Develop your main points
with supporting details.
3. Revising
• Review content for clarity,
coherence, and structure.
• Rearrange, add, or
remove sections to
improve flow.
• Strengthen arguments,
examples, and transitions.
• Consider feedback from
peers or mentors. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY
4. Editing
• Correct grammar,
punctuation, and spelling
errors.
• Refine sentence structure
and word choice.
• Ensure consistency in tone
and formatting.
• Double-check citations and
references.
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA
Example: Writing a memorandum
• Check the example given in
your study guide on page 32-34.
• It shows you how to write using
the proper process of writing.
This Photo by
Unknown Author
is licensed under
CC BY-SA
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA
5. Publishing
• Share your final piece with
the intended audience.
• Format according to required
guidelines (print, digital,
etc.).
Writing for a purpose in
business
1. Writing to apologise
2. Writing to complain
3. Writing to enquire
4. Messages of goodwill
5. Writing to market a
product and publicise an
event
1. Writing to
apologise
• The style must be formal and
polite,
• Use a conciliatory tone.
• Clearly and briefly explain the
facts.
• Focus on correcting the error
rather than over-apologising.
• Readers value resolution more
than expressions of regret.
2. Writing to complain
• Stay polite and professional.
• Explain the problem clearly
(what happened, when, and
where).
• Say how it affected you.
• Ask for a specific solution or
action.
• Include any relevant details
(receipts, dates, etc.).
3. Writing to Enquire
• Start with a polite greeting.
• Clearly state what you're
asking about.
• Be specific—mention dates,
names, or details if needed.
• Keep it brief and to the point.
• End with a thank you or
request for a reply.
3. Writing to Enquire
• Start with a polite greeting.
• Clearly state what you're
asking about.
• Be specific—mention dates,
names, or details if needed.
• Keep it brief and to the point.
• End with a thank you or
request for a reply.
4. Messages of
Goodwill
• Use warm and positive
language.
• Mention the occasion (e.g.,
birthday, promotion, holiday).
• Add a personal touch if
possible.
• Keep it short and heartfelt.
• End with a kind wish or closing.
5. Writing to Market a
Product or Publicise
an Event
• Grab attention with a catchy
headline or opening.
• Highlight key benefits or
features.
• Include important details
(date, time, location, price).
• Use persuasive and energetic
language.
• End with a call to action (e.g.,
“Buy now” or “Join us!”).
AIDA
• Marketing texts often adopt a
conventional structure:
• A – Attention: attract the reader’s
attention – use questions and
persuasive words.
• I – Interest: persuasion is done by
reasoning about facts in an
interesting way.
• D – Desire: persuasion is done by
creating a positive emotional
response.
• A – Action: the reader is prompted
to buy the product or service.
