Prewriting and Drafting

The First Draft:

The first draft is where most students find their ideas taking shape for the very first time. This is often an exciting and interesting process. However, some students get frustrated because they think what they are writing is not coming out perfectly the first time. This often causes some to stop writing or give up on the assignment.

Beginning writers often do not realize that great papers go through extensive revisions before they are finished. On the other hand, experienced writers realize that what they write the first time is simply a rough sketch of what the final product will be. Once writers see what they are working with, they then revise it to become a masterpiece.

Helpful Tips to Getting Started:

• Find a quiet place to work.

• Play some music softly to help you focus.

• Turn off your cell phone and sign out of your AIM.

• Have your outline and notes handy.

• Decide on a timeframe (30,60, or 90 minutes) to complete your first writing session.

• Do not attempt to write an entire paper in one sitting.

• Frequent writing sessions for shorter set periods of time help keep your ideas fresh.

• Do not worry about spelling and grammar rules at this point.

• Be more concerned with writing down your ideas than writing the perfect paper.