STAGE FOUR: DRAFTING YOUR ESSAY
I like to do first drafts at night, when I’m tired, and then do the surgical work in the morning
when I’m sharp. (Alex Haley)
The fourth stage of writing as a process (after analyzing the writing project, creating ideas, and
shape your ideas) is the drafting stage. You’ll need to set aside some dedicated time to write
your first (or rough) draft. You might consider two hours. Write in a quiet place where you can
concentrate and will not be interrupted. If you listen to music, listen to instrumental music, not
vocal (lyrics to songs can interrupt your concentration).
Before you start drafting, examine the creating activities you have done (listing and
freewriting).
Also read through your planning page (purpose, audience, genre, tone, strategy, and tentative
thesis) to remind yourself of your fundamental decisions.
You already know the basic shape of a narrative (exposition, conflict, rising action, climax,
and denouement); however, you might want to review your notes on narration, description,
and dialog, which you can find on my Learning Web.
Review your (optional) outline if you wrote one. If you are not an outliner, you are ready to
“jump in” and draft! (If you did some freewriting, possibly you found yourself freewriting a
discovery draft. A discovery draft with freewriting helps you discover if you want to continue
with your topic (or select another one from your brainstormed list). A discovery draft might also
help you discover your tentative thesis.
Be sure to double space your essay and remind yourself of the word length: 750 to three full
pages. When writing your first draft, don’t worry about going over the three page limit. You can
always subtract. (It’s always harder to add later.)
Writer’s block?
If you can’t get your exposition started, start with your tentative thesis on your planning page.
(You might also want to create a title to help you focus.) If you don’t yet have a workable thesis
or title, start with your conflict.
Remember that the writing process is recursive. You may need to return to previous stages (such
as the developing ideas stage) before moving on with your draft.
While working on your rough draft, you are interested in content and organization.
Do not become your own worst critic by over-editing as you write. Just get your essay down on
paper first—you can edit later! Don’t worry if your draft is messy. One English teacher once told
his students: “Make a mess and clean it up!”
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While drafting, you might find your essay taking on a life of its own and wanting to go
somewhere you had not planned. If so, go with it! Don’t feel constrained by your thesis or
optional outline at this point. If you don’t like where your draft is going, start over!
Finished? When you finish your first draft, print a copy and give it a reading. What questions
immediately come to mind as you read?
Reminder: Have you used the required dialog paragraphs between two or more characters? If
not, consult the handout on dialog (on Learning Web) and note how Amy Tan uses dialog in her
essay “Two Kinds.”
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