Product vs. Process Writing

Product vs. Process Writing

There are mainly two styles of writing that are often compared. These two styles of writing are called product writing and process writing. Product writing is considered a traditional form of writing. In this style of writing, students are usually giving a text and are told to focus on key concept and/or points within the story and elaborate on them. Process writing is a more detailed form of writing. This style of writing requires more planning and is more time consuming. Product writing is, in most cases, an imitation of previously modeled text. In this style of writing the way the information is presented is more emphasized and/or important as the information itself. Generally, product writing is a “one shot deal”. What this means is that often times when someone is using the product writing style they only write the paper one time. Also, another key aspect of product writing is that it is done individually. The main focus or emphasis of product writing is on the end result. Process writing is a style of writing that uses the previously read text as a resource for comparison. This form involves taking key points and ideas from the text to begin writing. Process writing differs from product writing in the since that in most cases more than one draft is needed in order to complete it. Also, in process writing, often times the reader works with others to gather information or ideas of how to proceed with writing. They usually switch papers and give feedback as to how to improve on the paper. The main focus or emphasis of process writing is on the creative method.