After you have created your outline in the planning stage, you need to begin composing the actual body of the essay, a process known as drafting. The end result of this process will be a rough draft—key word here being “rough.” Don’t worry if you think it needs improvement—even the best rough drafts need revising before they can be called a “final paper.” The most important element of drafting is simply getting all your thoughts down in the rough shape the essay will take–introduction (including a working thesis), body (including textual evidence with explanation) and conclusion.

When you are drafting, remember…

• Choose your quotes carefully. When choosing quotes, keep your argument in mind. Make sure your quotes are used as evidence for your argument and are not simply there to take up space in the essay.

• Typically, for every line you quote from a literary work, you should double your lines of explanation on that quote.

• Explain the significance of the quotes you use.

            – Explain how they support your argument.
            – Point out any important literary devices within the quote, 
              particularly ones mentioned in your thesis.

• Write your draft in chunks. Some people like to start with their introduction, some prefer to start with their body paragraphs.  Whichever your preference, make the process more manageable by breaking up the essay into chunks–take it one paragraph at a time and give yourself a small break between each one.

• Consider hand-writing your first draft. Some people find themselves more focused when putting pen to paper and are less distracted by starting out with nothing but the primary text, a pen and a notebook in front of them rather than a computer fully equipped with the distractions of the internet.

• Make notes to yourself on your draft while writing. If you feel yourself hitting a block, move on and fill in quotes or explanation later, but make a note on the draft so you don’t forget.

• Conference with your professors. Some people like taking their outline or a partial draft to a professor to talk it through and make sure they are on track. Just remember that your professors want to help you improve yourself as a writer.

• In addition, talking through your draft with peers can also help you make sense of some of the arguments or explanations you may be giving.

• If you are typing your rough draft, remember to SAVE OFTEN.  There is nothing worse than a power outage or dying laptop to cause you to lose hours of work.

• Just remember: This is a rough draft. Don’t freak out if it isn’t perfect–just get through it.  If you start your essay in time, there will be plenty of time for you to revise and polish your paper.

“Conferencing is one of the most important steps I take during my writing process.  Often during the initial drafting process, I will hit a roadblock or find myself talking in circles.  When this happens, I will set up an appointment with my professor or walk in during office hours and just sit and talk about my paper.  Getting a professor’s feedback is priceless to me and often sets me back on the right track to finish up my paper.” –Leanna