Tekstplanning en Tekstproduktie

In our article we describe the functions of so-called 'text plans1 in two different processes of text production: (1) dictating business letters and (2) writing governmental policy issue papers. Text plans are defined as: abstract, schematic representations of the text a writer/dictator wants to convey. We look upon dictating business letters and writing policy issue papers as two writing tasks. In our article we explore the differences between the two tasks in terms of the constraints the dictator and the policy writer should meet. Our research makes clear that dictators strive for first-time-final versions and that planning the text is a necessary requirement for effective dictating. While dictating, the dictator follows the exact line of his plan. Writing policy issue papers, however, is mainly a collaborative writing task. Policy issue papers are written in groups which strive for internal consensus about the issues (and the text) at stake. Text plans are uses by policy writers to divide tasks, to guarantee cohesion between the different contributions and as the first negotiation object.