Prewriting — English definition
The planning a writer does before drafting — brainstorming, listing, webbing, or outlining ideas.
Where it is taught
- The Writing Process: Plan, Draft, Revise, Edit — Writing, English 6, Grade 6
In use
The process starts before you write a single real sentence, with prewriting: the planning that turns a blank page from scary into manageable.
The Writing Process: Plan, Draft, Revise, Edit
Questions using prewriting
Problem 1
Which activity is an example of prewriting?
- Fixing comma mistakes in a finished draft
- Brainstorming a list of ideas and sketching an outline before drafting
- Reading the essay aloud to a friend after it's done
- Turning the essay in to the teacher
Answer and explanation
Brainstorming a list of ideas and sketching an outline before drafting
Prewriting is the planning stage — brainstorming, listing, webbing, or outlining — that happens before drafting.