After you have created your outline in the inventing 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.
• For every line literary quote, you should have double the text for the explanation of that quote.
• Explain the significance of the quotes you use!

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