Writing Process, Essay Example

Writing styles vary from person to person, however one aspect that must stay consistent when arguing a point or presenting research is maintaining a formal structure. Formal structure of an idea, problem or argument gives the reader greater ability to understand and follow themes and major points. Therefore, following a formal writing process provides stronger analysis of  evidence in order to persuade the reader.

With this being said, I unfortunately learned very early on a few bad habits in my writing style and methods. Until recently, I never quite caught on to the writing process as a logical process that involves selecting a subject and developing a thesis based on research, presenting ideas and applying analysis. A common mistake that I used to make was simply presenting a topic and listing ideas and points that related to the main ideas. I would start with a type of structural outline of ideas, but never really made it further to a true development or statement of a thesis or an argument. I learned this style many years ago, and once that was ingrained into my writing style, it was extremely difficult to reeducate and adjust my writing process. Another aspect of research and argumentative writing that has been difficult for me to grasp is using proper APA style and citation methods. APA citations are tedious and require such specific details it is sometimes difficult to make sure everything properly cited. This is something that I am still working on and improving, as well as with some other basic aspects of proper structuring of an essay. I think that the most important part of overcoming these difficulties is continued practice and more involved proofreading before submitting a final draft.

As with most skills, it takes practice and repetition to develop strong and effective writing techniques. Writing not only involves some formal structures and rules, it also requires the application of logic and critical thinking. It is one thing to have a strong opinion or an idea, but to write it down on paper in a manner that will provoke and persuade the reader requires specific skills. Also important to understand, is that during the process of researching and developing an argument, new information may come to light and change the scope of your argument. I have found that writing persuasive essays challenge my opinions and beliefs, thus leading to a greater understanding of the subject. Writing is not just about “telling” the reader something, it is about showing and convincing the reader. The best way to convince your reader or audience that your opinion or idea is viable is to do so with clear and concise arguments, well-developed and logical explanations of arguments and ideas, and support of claims from various experts on the topic. Along with this, it is also important to use correct grammar, spelling, structure and citation styles.

The writing process is unique to the individual writer, but as I mentioned above, unless you employ a consistent, clear, logical and persuasive method of writing, you are much less likely to convince your reader or audience to accept your argument. Writing is a skill just as any other, and through practice and reeducation, I have been able to learn and develop a more convincing writing process.