Student Writing Handbook Fifth+Edition

92 / Methods of Development

STEP 3: Prewriting—Determining the Purpose

Next, think about what you hope to accomplish with your description. Who will read
it? What purpose do you hope to achieve by it? (If the topic has been assigned, the
purpose is probably stated or implied in the assignment.)

Stop now, determine the purpose, and state it in a single sentence. For example:

The description of a topographical map will explain the purpose of its lines

and symbols, especially as they are helpful to hikers.

The statement of purpose will help you select relevant details.

STEP 4: Prewriting—Selecting the Details

After you have narrowed the topic and determined your purpose, you must select
appropriate details. Assume, for instance, that you have chosen to develop a descrip-
tion of a topographical map. You may list the following details:

snake-like contour lines

elevation indicated

ridges, valleys

increasing versus decreasing elevation

exploration

good for hikers, backpackers

help plan routes

Now, select details that specifically support your purpose. In the preceding list, for
instance, the details about hikers, exploration, and planning routes are only of sec-
ondary importance to the purpose of the paper. Revised to meet the purpose of the
paper, the list now looks like this:

indicates rate of incline

increasing elevation

decreasing elevation

indicates ridges

indicates valleys

STEP 5: Prewriting—Organizing the Details

Next, arrange the details in some order. If the subject is set in time, use chronologi-
cal order, perhaps including a flashback. [See chronological order and flashback in
the Glossary.] For a different kind of subject, use an order of importance. [See order