DRAFTING AND RE-DRAFTING

THREE DRAFT APPROACH

1. Get the big ideas down2. Structure and fill in the gaps3. Proof

(Vitae, 2009)

TACKLING A MESSY FIRST DRAFT• provide context, provide background• clarify, define, specify• connect the topic to wider knowledges, referring to the

literatures, policy or practice• report, provide an audit trail of what you did• illustrate, exemplify, support, provide evidence, prove• complicate, anticipate counter argument, provide nuance• extend, draw out implications

(Pat Thomson, 2016)

WHEN REVIEWING YOUR DRAFTS ASK YOURSELF:Does the content match the title?Are important points emphasised enough? Is the content within each section

appropriate? Is there a logical sequence? 

Are information sources acknowledged? Do the conclusions relate to the objectives? Is the meaning of each sentence clear - or

open to interpretation?Can long sentences be broken down?

(Vitae, 2015)

REVERSE OUTLINE

1. Number your paragraphs. 2. Identify the topic of each paragraph. At this point,

you can also make note of the following:a. Is there a recognizable topic sentence?b. How long is the paragraph?

i. Does the topic seem sufficiently developed?

ii. Is there more than one topic?3. Arrange these topics in to an outline.

4. Analyze this outline, assessing the logic (where elements have been placed in relation to one another) and the proportion (how much space is being devoted to each element).

5. Use this analysis to create a revised outline.6. Use this revised outline to reorganize your text.

7. Go back to your answers in 2a and 2b to help you create topic sentences and cohesion in your paragraphs.

a. Is there a recognizable topic sentence?b. How long is the paragraph?

i. Does the topic seem sufficiently developed?ii. Is there more than one topic?

(Explorations of Style, 2011)

THE EDITING CYCLE OF A COMPLETE THESIS DRAFTDraft one - Evaluate the structure.Draft two - Assess the thesis statement. Is the

argument consistent and signposted throughout the document?

Draft three - Examine the abstract, introduction and conclusion. Do they frame the argument?

Draft four - Go through the references and bibliography. Most examiners start reading at the back of the document. What are their first impressions? Are there wider problems? Are the sources dated? Are some sources overused?

Draft five - Determine the weakest area of the thesis – a poor chapter, inattention to a concept or theory, awkward transitions or dated references. Lift the quality of this area.

Draft six - Highlight the original contribution to knowledge throughout the doctorate.

Draft seven - Attention to spelling and grammar.Draft eight - Focus on paragraphing.

Draft nine - Monitor the engagement with quotations. Ensure that there is fluid movement between ideas.

Draft 10 - Read every sentence underlined with a ruler. Every inaccuracy that is corrected at this stage gives the thesis a better chance of passing.

(Tara Brabzon for Times Higher Education, 2010)