During which stage of the writing process do students distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information?

The correct stage of the writing process where students distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information is during the planning and outlining phase. This stage involves organizing thoughts, ideas, and research into a coherent structure, which is essential for creating a focused and logical argument or narrative in the subsequent stages of writing. By evaluating the information gathered, students learn to identify which pieces will support their thesis or main points, thereby enhancing the overall clarity and purpose of their writing. This critical assessment helps ensure that the final piece remains targeted and engaging for the audience.

Engaging with this phase effectively sets the groundwork for drafting, where the actual writing begins, but it’s during planning and outlining that the selection of pertinent information is most crucial.