Learning Outcome #2

Learners will demonstrate knowledge of the writing process and write effective paragraphs to share with others.

Knowledge and skills set:

• Discuss and identify the different purposes for writing.
• Make use of prior knowledge and experience when writing.
• Identify the appropriate formats and standards for different audiences and purposes for writing (e.g., a friendly letter uses informal language as a standard; an invitation is usually formal and has a specific format; a journal is informal and often uses spoken language as a standard; a résumé is formal and there is a specific format used).
• Select and apply the appropriate standard and format for the audience and purpose.
• Talk about the subject and state the purpose for writing.
• Identify and discuss the effect of personal attitudes or feelings about writing.
• Identify for whom you are writing.
• Choose appropriate language and tone to be used with a particular reading audience (e.g., writing a formal letter to the mayor or an informal letter to your best friend).
• Generate ideas for writing by using brainstorming or free writing.
• Select the appropriate formatting style for form of writing (e.g., margins, spacing, indentation, graphics, captions).
• Consistently apply new vocabulary in writing.
• Write several drafts of each composition.
  • Write a first draft without worrying about correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
  • Review, rethink, and rewrite ideas to clarify meaning and to organize writing more appropriately in a second draft.
  • Re-read and revise the second draft.
  • Edit this third draft for spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammar.
  • Write out a final draft.
  • Compare the final draft to your previous copies. What changes did you make? Why did you make these changes?
• Share writing with others according to your comfort level and as appropriate. [See instruction tip #1.]
• Respond to others' questions and comments about your own writing.
• Represent learning in various forms as a means of expressing the creative writing process (e.g., create sculpture, sketches, drawings, paintings).
• Use the computer for writing (optional, depending on availability of appropriate computer software).
  • Compose and revise paragraphs using a word processing computer program.
  • Send and receive personal email messages.
  • Identify and apply the spell check, grammar check, and thesaurus features in a word processing computer program.