Steps of Writing a Paper

Prewriting can help you take a general topic and make it more specific.

Researching your subject is an important step in writing because it helps you narrow your focus.

After you choose your topic and assemble your research, organize your ideas before you start drafting.

The drafting phase creates a coherent path for the reader to follow from thesis to conclusion.

Revising happens on many different levels of your paper, from individual words and sentences to larger issues of organization and coherence.

Editing and proofreading ensure clarity, improve style, and eliminate errors.

When you're done with all the steps of revision—revising for purpose, editing, and proofreading—make one final review of your paper.