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Tool 1: Planning

Before you start to plan:

 Read and then re-read the task or question to make sure you understand what
you have to do. Underlining the key words will help.
 Think about APT. Who are you writing for (AUDIENCE)? Why are you writing
(PURPOSE)? What style of writing (TYPE) will you need – formal or informal?

Ok, I have sorted that out and I understand

what I have to do. So why do I need to plan?

Planning allows you to:

 think carefully about what you are going to write
 develop your ideas or points
 put the ideas or points in an order that makes sense.

Mind maps for planning:
Making a mind map (or spider chart) is a handy way of getting down ideas for your
writing.
 First of all, jot down any ideas that come to mind:

Proofread Plan

How to improve
your writing Keep your reader
Get a new pen interested

 Then add more detail by adding ‘branches’ to your chart and cross off any ideas
you decide not to use.
 Next, number the main points in the order you will use them.

Spelling punctuation and Mind map
grammar
1 Paragraphs
3 Proofread Plan
Writing frames
Check it makes sense How to improve
your writing Keep your reader
Get a new pen 2 interested

This is a quick and effective way of getting started and for some tasks this may be
all you need to start writing.

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