{"id":30973,"date":"2021-06-26T10:32:00","date_gmt":"2021-06-26T09:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/?post_type=section&#038;p=30973"},"modified":"2024-09-23T16:16:16","modified_gmt":"2024-09-23T15:16:16","slug":"prewriting","status":"publish","type":"section","link":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/writing-process\/prewriting\/","title":{"rendered":"Prewriting &#8211; Laying the Foundation for Successful Writing"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"tts_content_wrapper_2\" >\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_69_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/writing-process\/prewriting\/#What_is_Prewriting\" title=\"What is Prewriting?\">What is Prewriting?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/writing-process\/prewriting\/#Dispositions\" title=\"Dispositions\">Dispositions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/writing-process\/prewriting\/#Strategies\" title=\"Strategies\">Strategies<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/writing-process\/prewriting\/#Synonyms\" title=\"Synonyms\">Synonyms<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/writing-process\/prewriting\/#FAQs\" title=\"FAQs\">FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/writing-process\/prewriting\/#Why_Does_Prewriting_Matter\" title=\"Why Does Prewriting Matter?\">Why Does Prewriting Matter?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/writing-process\/prewriting\/#Is_Prewriting_Always_Necessary\" title=\"Is Prewriting Always Necessary?\">Is Prewriting Always Necessary?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/writing-process\/prewriting\/#What_Is_the_Difference_Between_Planning_Prewriting_Invention\" title=\"What Is the Difference Between Planning, Prewriting &amp; Invention?\">What Is the Difference Between Planning, Prewriting &amp; Invention?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Prewriting\"><\/span>What is Prewriting?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Prewriting<\/em> refers to <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>a<a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/research\/research-methods\/qualitative-research\/case-study\/\" title=\"Case Study\">ll of the work a writer engages in BEFORE BEGINNING TO WRITE<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the first stage of <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/writing-process\/\" title=\"The Writing Process \u2013 Research on Composing\">the writing process<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a liminal space &#8212; the space between thinking about working on a project and actually beginning to write.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Writers have many ways of engaging in <em>prewriting<\/em>, based on their individual preferences and the <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/discourse\/discourse-conventions\/\" title=\"Discourse Conventions\">discourse conventions<\/a> of their <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/audience\/\" title=\"Audience \u2013 Audience Awareness\">audience<\/a>. Interviews and <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/research\/research-methods\/qualitative-research\/case-study\/\" title=\"Case Study\">case studies<\/a> of <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/writing-studies-definition\/writers-work\/\" title=\"Writers @ Work\">writers @ work<\/a> have found that during <em>prewriting<\/em> writers engage in a variety of <strong>dispositions<\/strong> and <strong>strategies<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dispositions\"><\/span>Dispositions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>During prewriting, writers embrace <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/mindset\/intellectual-openness\/\" title=\"Intellectual Openness\">intellectual openness<\/a>. They interview stakeholders, consider <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/genre\/argument-argumentation\/counterargument\/\" title=\"Counterarguments \u2013 Rebuttal \u2013 Refutation\">counterarguments<\/a>, and review the <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/collaboration\/peer-review\/\" title=\"Peer Review \u2013 How to Make The Most of Peer Review\">peer-reviewed literature<\/a> on the <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/topic\/\" title=\"Subject, Topic\">topic<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>During prewriting, writers adopt <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/mindset\/growth-mindset\/\" title=\"Growth Mindset \u2013 Fixed Mindset\">a growth mindset<\/a>. They privilege <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/mindset\/self-regulation\/balance-believing-with-doubting\/\" title=\"Balance Believing with Doubting\">the believing game over the doubting game<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Writers report they make composing decisions based on their <em>&#8220;intuition<\/em>&#8220;, <em>&#8220;inner voice<\/em>,&#8221; or <em>&#8220;subconscious<\/em>&#8221; \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Some writers believe the subconscious is a source of ideas, creativity and inspiration. Some believe dreams are a window into the subconscious. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>According to Sondra Perl (1980), a professor of English and theorist in <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/writing-studies-definition\/\" title=\"Writing Studies\">writing studies<\/a>, writers begin composing when they have <em>a felt sense<\/em> of what they want to say\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cWhen writers are given a <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/topic\/\">topic<\/a>, the topic itself evokes a felt sense in them. This topic calls forth images, words, ideas, and vague fuzzy feelings that are anchored in the writer\u2019s body. What is elicited, then, is not solely the product of a mind but of a mind alive in a living, sensing body&#8230;..When writers pause, when they go back and repeat key words, what they seem to be doing is waiting, paying attention to what is still <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/diction\/vague-language\/\">vague<\/a> and unclear. They are looking to their felt experience, and waiting for an image, a word, a phrase to emerge that captures the sense they embody&#8230;.Usually, when they make the decision to write, it is after they have a dawning awareness that something has clicked, that they have enough of a sense that if they begin with a few words heading in a certain direction, words will continue to come which will allow them to flesh out the sense they have\u201d (Perl 1980, p. 365).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strategies\"><\/span>Strategies<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Conversations with Others\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Writers like to talk over an <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/occasion-exigency\/\" title=\"Occasion, Exigency, Kairos \u2013 How to Decode Meaning-Making Practices\">exigency<\/a>, a <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/research\/research-methods\/mixed-methods\/the-customer-discovery-process\/problem-space\/\" title=\"Problem Space, Solution Space\">problem<\/a>, a call to write with trusted friends, peers, and mentors. In college, students like to brainstorm with one another to better understand a writing assignment or the needs of the audience, such as a manager or a client, before deciding to take it on as a writing project<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Openness to Discovery \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In interviews and memoirs, writers and artists report insatiable inquiry. They engage in <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/research\/research-methods\/informal-research\/\" title=\"Informal Research Methods\">informal research<\/a>. They engage in <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/information-literacy\/information-literacy-perspectives-practices\/searching-as-a-strategic-exploration\/\" title=\"Informal Research Methods\">strategic research<\/a> in order to learn what is known about the <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/topic\/\" title=\"Subject, Topic\">topic<\/a> <br>creative play. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mindset &#8211; Meditation\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Writers may engage in meditation to help slow down. They may need to turn off their phones and computers to reach the state of calmness and focus necessary to begin thinking about a writing project. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Procrastination\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Writers like to procrastinate. Sometimes writers need to set a call to write aside. They need to let an idea simmer on the back burner. They may sleep on it. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Subconscious\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Some creative people track and interpret their dreams. They say this helps them interpret their dreams for insights, reoccurring narratives, and solutions to <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/research\/research-methods\/mixed-methods\/the-customer-discovery-process\/problem-space\/\" title=\"Problem Space, Solution Space\">problems<\/a> they face during waking hours. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strategic Searching\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Writers may engage in extensive strategic searching in order to identify the status &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/information-literacy\/information-literacy-perspectives-practices\/scholarship-as-a-conversation\/\" title=\"Scholarship as a Conversation\">conversation<\/a>&#8221; on a particular <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/topic\/\" title=\"Subject, Topic\">topic<\/a>. Writers may <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/invention\/freewriting\/\" title=\"Freewriting\">freewrite<\/a> to see where their thoughts lead them.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Synonyms\"><\/span>Synonyms<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The terms <em>planning<\/em>, <em>prewriting<\/em>, and <em>invention<\/em> are sometimes used interchangeably, yet they each carry distinct meanings:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/planning\/prewriting\/\" title=\"Prewriting\">Prewriting<\/a> is a subset of planning, focusing more on the initial stages of idea generation, brainstorming, and exploration of thoughts before formal writing begins<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/planning\/\" title=\"Planning\">Planning<\/a> typically refers to the overall process of organizing ideas and structuring a writing piece, encompassing the selection of topics, determination of purpose, and arrangement of content <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/invention\/\" title=\"Invention\">Invention<\/a> is often associated specifically with the creative aspect of <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/planning\/prewriting\/\" title=\"Prewriting\">prewriting<\/a>, where writers devise innovative ideas, concepts, and arguments. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Related Concepts: <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/invention\/invention-heuristics\/document-planner\/\">Document Planner<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/mindset\/intellectual-openness\/\" title=\"Intellectual Openness\">Intellectual Openness<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/mindset\/growth-mindset\/\" title=\"Growth Mindset \u2013 Fixed Mindset\">Mindset<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/mindset\/resilience\/\" title=\"Resilience\">Resilience<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/research\/research-methods\/textual-methods\/rhetorical-analysis\/\">Rhetorical Analysis<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/mindset\/self-regulation\/\" title=\"Self-Regulation &amp; Metacognition\">Self-Regulation &amp; Metacognition<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span>FAQs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-the-difference-between-prewriting-and-invention\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Does_Prewriting_Matter\"><\/span>Why Does Prewriting Matter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Clarifies Initial Thoughts and Ideas<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prewriting helps clarify and refine the central theme or argument of the piece.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stimulates Creativity and Exploration<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>During prewriting, writers have the freedom to explore different angles and <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/perspective\/\" title=\"Perspective\">perspectives<\/a>. This creative exploration can lead to more original and engaging content.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Facilitates Research Direction<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>By outlining the main ideas during prewriting, writers can determine what <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/information-literacy\/information-literacy-perspectives-practices\/searching-as-a-strategic-exploration\/\" title=\"Searching as a Strategic Exploration\">additional research<\/a> or information is needed, making their research efforts more focused and efficient.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reduces Writer&#8217;s Block<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Engaging in prewriting activities like brainstorming or free writing can help overcome writer&#8217;s block by getting ideas flowing and reducing <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/writing-process\/\" title=\"The Writing Process \u2013 Research on Composing\">the pressure of creating perfect content from the start<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Allows for Better Organization<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prewriting helps in structuring thoughts and ideas, leading to a more organized and coherent draft. This organization is crucial for the logical flow of the final piece.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Enhances Understanding of the Audience<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>During prewriting, writers can consider <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/audience\/\" title=\"Audience \u2013 Audience Awareness\">their audience&#8217;s needs and expectations<\/a>, tailoring the <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/information-literacy\/information\/\" title=\"Information, Data, Content \u2013 Building Blocks Of The Digital Information Age\">content<\/a> to be more relevant and engaging for the intended readers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establishes a Foundation for the Draft<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prewriting sets a solid foundation for the first draft, ensuring that the writing process starts with a clear direction and purpose.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Promotes Efficient Use of Writing Time<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>With a clear outline or plan from the prewriting stage, the actual writing process becomes more efficient, as the writer has a clear roadmap to follow.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Encourages Reflection and Self-Evaluation<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prewriting gives writers a chance to reflect on their topic, assess their <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/information-literacy\/epistemology\/knowledge\/\" title=\"Knowledge\">knowledge<\/a> and opinions, and evaluate the potential impact of their writing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-the-difference-between-prewriting-and-invention\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Prewriting_Always_Necessary\"><\/span>Is Prewriting Always Necessary?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No. Writers differ in how frequently or deeply they engage in prewriting. Some people prefer to jump immediately into <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/drafting\/\" title=\"Drafting \u2013 Composing -What is the Drafting Process?\">composing<\/a>. They don&#8217;t pause to reflect on <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/\" title=\"Rhetorical Situation\">the rhetorical situation<\/a>. They don&#8217;t want to conduct a literature review. Instead, they want to immediately dive in and spark the creative process by <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/invention\/freewriting\/\" title=\"Freewriting\">freewriting<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/invention\/visual-brainstorming\/\" title=\"Visual Brainstorming\">visual brainstorming<\/a>, and other creative <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/invention\/invention-heuristics\/\" title=\"Heuristics\">heuristics<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In contrast, other writers prefer to engage significant prewriting: they question <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What&#8217;s known about a <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/topic\/\" title=\"Subject, Topic\">topic<\/a>? what&#8217;s novel? what knowledge claims are currently being disputed?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What does peer-reviewed literature say about the topic?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do I need to engage in empirical research? What methods are expected by the discourse community?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What informal, background research needs to be done in order to prepare to write?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What&#8217;s the best way to organize the document? What common organizational patterns should I use to help the readers interpret the message?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_the_Difference_Between_Planning_Prewriting_Invention\"><\/span>What Is the Difference Between Planning, Prewriting &amp; Invention?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The terms <em>planning<\/em>, <em>prewriting<\/em>, and <em>invention<\/em> may be used used interchangeably because they are such intertwined processes, yet they each carry distinct meanings:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/planning\/\" title=\"Planning\"><em>Planning<\/em><\/a> typically refers to <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/organization\/\" title=\"Organization\">the overall process of organizing ideas and structuring a writing piece<\/a>, encompassing the selection of <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/topic\/\" title=\"Subject, Topic\">topics<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/purpose\/\" title=\"Purpose \u2013 Aim of Discourse \u2013 Intention\">determination of purpose<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/organization\/\" title=\"Organization\">arrangement of content.<\/a> It typically encompasses tools such as <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/genre\/team-charter\/\" title=\"Team Charter\">Team Charters<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/collaboration\/collaboration-tools\/\" title=\"Collaboration Tools \u2013 The Collaborative Tools You Need for Success on School Projects\">usage of project management software<\/a>. While prewriting and invention may involve more creative and exploratory activities, planning is focused on setting a clear direction and framework for the writing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/planning\/prewriting\/\" title=\"Prewriting\"><em>Prewriting<\/em><\/a> is a subset of <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/planning\/\" title=\"Planning \u2013 What Are the Dispositions and Planning Strategies of Successful Writers?\">planning<\/a>, focusing more on the initial stages of idea generation, brainstorming, and exploration of thoughts before formal writing begins. Prewriting is more expansive and free-form than planning, allowing for a broader exploration of thoughts and concepts. In comparison to invention, prewriting is less about generating new ideas and more about exploring and organizing existing ideas in preparation for writing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Invention<\/em> in writing refers to the process of generating new ideas, concepts, or perspectives. Invention is distinct from planning and <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/planning\/prewriting\/\" title=\"Prewriting \u2013 Laying the Foundation for Successful Writing\">prewriting<\/a> in that it is focused primarily on creating something new, rather than organizing or setting objectives for existing ideas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":60940,"parent":12849,"menu_order":0,"template":"","tags":[],"chapters":[2552,2472],"class_list":["post-30973","section","type-section","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","chapters-planning","chapters-prewriting"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/section\/30973","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/section"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/section"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"version-history":[{"count":56,"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/section\/30973\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":67820,"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/section\/30973\/revisions\/67820"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/section\/12849"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/60940"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30973"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30973"},{"taxonomy":"chapters","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapters?post=30973"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}