Writing the Paragraphs in the First Draft

from The Longman WriterChapter 6

After prewriting, deciding on a thesis, and developing & organizing evidence, you’re ready to write a first draft ------a rough, provisional version of your essay in

which you provide: paragraphs that support your thesisall relevant examples, facts, and opinionssequence your material as effective as you

can

You may find that…your thesis has to be reconsidered or

reshapeda point no longer fitsyou have to return to prewriting to generate

additional material

But that’s OK---Remember, writing is a PROCESS

How do I move from the outline to the first draft?

There is no RIGHT WAY to do itSome people rely heavily on prewriting,

scratch notes, and outlines.Others only glance at them occasionally.

Some people type their first draft.Others prefer to start with a handwritten draft.

Using your outline to draftMake the outline’s main topics (your roman

numerals) the topic sentences of your paragraphs

Make the outline’s subtopics (your capital letters) the subpoints of each paragraph

Make the outline’s supporting points (Arabic numerals) the key examples and reasons in each paragraph

Make the outline’s specific details (lower-case letters) the secondary examples: facts, statistics, expert opinions, and

quotations

What if I get a new idea?It is OK (actually, great) if you get fresh ideas

while drafting.Go ahead and throw promising new thoughts in

and go back and evaluate them during revision.

What if I get stuck?It’s OK (actually, it’s quite normal)REMEMBER, it’s a ROUGH draft; it doesn’t

have to be perfect!Relax. Don’t be critical. Work quickly. Don’t

worry about perfect spelling or grammarFeel free to skip down to another part of the

paperConsider rereading what you’ve already

written – OUT LOUD

Write the supporting paragraphs 1stSince the introduction depends heavily on

everything that follows and is the bait to catch the reader’s attention, consider writing the body paragraphs 1st

Go ahead and write out your thesis, though, to keep you focused

Keep your supporting paragraphs focused with a topic sentence (a main point from your thesis or roman numeral from your outline)Think of this as a mini-thesis for each

paragraphSee The Longman Writer for specific examples

and tips

Make your supporting paragraphs specificProvide examples that answer who, what,

which and similar questionsReplace general nouns and adjectives with

precise/specific onesOld car – beat-up car – rusty, dented, old Chevy

pick-up Replace general verbs with vivid ones

They seemed excited – They whistled and cheered

Replace abstract words with concrete onesUse imagery (words that appeal to the 5

senses)Provide adequate support for your points

Grab the reader’s attention---Write the IntroductionHook the reader with one of the following:

A brief anecdoteA quotationOnomatopoeiaA dramatic fact or statisticBriefly providing some background information

Wrap it up---Write the ConclusionDon’t just stop writing after your final point.

Your reader deserves a satisfying endingConsider saving a compelling fact, statistic,

quote, or detail for the endConsider returning to and referencing an

image, idea or anecdote used in the introductionConsider driving home your point by rephrasing

your thesis You may sum up your argument, make a

prediction based on the information you provided, or call your reader to some sort of action

JUST START WRITINGDon’t allow yourself to be intimidated by the blank page