Drafting and revising are crucial steps in the writing process. They involve creating a rough draft based on your outline and prewriting notes, then refining it through multiple revisions. This stage allows you to explore ideas freely and shape your essay.

During revision, you'll focus on improving clarity, coherence, and content. You'll strengthen your thesis, enhance paragraph structure, and consider your audience. Incorporating feedback from peers and instructors helps refine your work further, balancing suggestions with your own vision.

Rough Draft Composition

Initial Draft Creation

• Compose a rough draft based on the outline and prewriting notes
• The rough draft is the first attempt at writing the full essay, using the outline and prewriting notes as a guide
• Include an introduction with a thesis statement, body paragraphs that develop the main points, and a conclusion that summarizes the key ideas
• Focus on getting ideas down on paper, without worrying too much about grammar, spelling, or perfect wording (freewriting)

Draft Characteristics

• The rough draft may be longer than the final essay, as it will be refined and condensed during the revision process
• Maintain a logical flow and connection between paragraphs in the rough draft
• Use the rough draft to explore and develop ideas, even if they may not all be included in the final essay
• The rough draft serves as a foundation for the final essay and can be significantly modified during the revision stage

Paragraph Development

Topic Sentences

• Each body paragraph should have a clear topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph and connects it to the thesis statement
• The topic sentence is typically the first sentence of the paragraph and sets the direction for the rest of the paragraph
• Topic sentences should be specific and focused, clearly indicating the main point of the paragraph
• Effective topic sentences engage the reader and provide a clear roadmap for the paragraph's content

Supporting Details

• Use supporting details, such as examples (statistics, anecdotes, case studies), facts, or explanations, to develop and reinforce the main idea of the paragraph
• Each supporting detail should be relevant to the topic sentence and help to clarify or prove the main point
• Provide sufficient evidence and explanations to make the paragraph's main idea convincing and well-supported
• Use a variety of supporting details to create a well-rounded and engaging paragraph

Paragraph Structure

• Paragraphs should be well-structured, with a logical progression of ideas from the topic sentence to the supporting details and concluding sentence
• Use transitions to link ideas within the paragraph and create a smooth flow of information
• Ensure that each sentence in the paragraph contributes to the development of the main idea
• Conclude the paragraph with a sentence that summarizes the main point and connects it back to the thesis statement

Draft Revision

Clarity and Coherence

• Revise the draft to improve clarity, ensuring that ideas are expressed clearly and concisely, using precise language and avoiding ambiguity or vagueness
• Enhance coherence by using transitions to link ideas within and between paragraphs, and by ensuring that the essay flows logically from one point to the next
• Review the draft for consistency in tone, style, and voice throughout the essay
• Eliminate any contradictions or inconsistencies in the arguments or information presented

Content and Structure

• Strengthen the thesis statement to ensure it clearly communicates the main argument or purpose of the essay
• Ensure that each paragraph supports the thesis and contributes to the overall effectiveness of the essay
• Eliminate irrelevant or redundant information that does not directly support the main points
• Adjust the structure of the essay, such as rearranging paragraphs or adding/deleting information, to better support the main points and create a logical flow of ideas

Audience Consideration

• Read the essay from the perspective of the intended audience to ensure that it effectively communicates the desired message
• Consider the audience's background knowledge, interests, and expectations when revising the essay
• Adapt the language, tone, and style of the essay to suit the audience and purpose of the writing
• Anticipate and address potential counterarguments or questions the audience may have to strengthen the persuasiveness of the essay

Feedback Incorporation

Peer and Instructor Feedback

• Seek peer review and instructor feedback to provide valuable insights and suggestions for improving the essay
• Peers and instructors may identify areas of confusion, inconsistencies, or weaknesses in the argument that the writer may not have noticed
• Feedback may suggest alternative perspectives or additional evidence that could strengthen the essay
• Carefully consider all feedback received and evaluate which suggestions are most relevant and beneficial to the essay

Incorporating Suggestions

• Decide which feedback suggestions to incorporate into the revised draft based on their relevance, effectiveness, and alignment with the essay's purpose
• Make changes to the content, organization, or style of the essay based on the feedback received
• Ensure that the incorporated feedback enhances the clarity, coherence, and overall effectiveness of the essay
• Maintain your own voice and perspective while incorporating feedback, ensuring that the final essay reflects your own ideas and arguments

Balancing Feedback and Personal Vision

• Critically evaluate feedback and suggestions, considering their merits and potential impact on the essay
• Balance the incorporation of feedback with your own judgment and vision for the essay
• Maintain the integrity of your original ideas and arguments while making revisions based on feedback
• Seek clarification or additional guidance from peers or instructors if feedback is unclear or contradictory