In line with this focus on the act of writing is the strategy of writing out of order. Worried about getting things into the right format? Turn to a pre-made writing template that takes care of that for you so you can focus on writing. If you’re always searching for the perfect word, put away your dictionary and thesaurus. If you’re easily distracted by the web or bogged down by online research, close your browser, turn off your Wi-Fi connection, or set aside your smartphone. So, for the sake of efficiency, try to eliminate anything extra that might stand in the way of you and the plain act of writing.
No matter where you ultimately decide to start, the name of the game for first drafts is just getting things down on the page. So, for example, if you’re beginning a research paper and have yet to determine a working thesis, you can skip your introduction in favor of developing your evidence and analysis to see where it leads you. With this idea of the overall structure of your project in mind, you can better understand which parts of your piece you know how you will complete, as well as where might be the best place to start. If you’re writing a research paper, you will need an introductory paragraph and thesis statement, an essay body that provides evidence in support of that thesis, and a conclusion that sums it all up.
Over the course of the letter, you will want to express your interest, relate your experience to the job description, provide examples of your past successes, and close with a call to action. For instance, if you’re writing a cover letter, consider the general structure that your letter will take. Start with Structureīefore you start drafting your brilliant ideas, it may help to begin with some big-picture thinking and planning.Ĭonsider the type of writing you’re doing and the structure that it requires. Regardless, you can approach your project with the following tips on how to write a first draft, and you’ll be well on your way toward a well-developed piece of writing. Other times, your full first draft might seem shapeless and be full of notes for further exploration, requiring you to dig into more research or take some time away to think things over. Sometimes you might come to table with more fully formed thoughts and opinions on your subject and leave your draft writing session or sessions with a nearly completed piece, something that requires only minor changes. When it comes down to it, no two first drafts are quite alike. No matter if you’re writing a novel, a school paper, or a business letter, the first draft is an opportunity to understand materials you have to work with-it’s a chance to better grasp what you think about your subject before you sharpen, shape, and organize these ideas into a polished final product. Your first draft, otherwise aptly known as a “rough draft,” is your place to sketch out your ideas. Elevate your writing with real-time, intelligent assistance Learn More What Should Be Included in Your First Draft?