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Drafting refers to actually writing the words of the paper. As part of the writing process, you will write multiple drafts of your paper. Each rough draft improves upon the previous one. The final draft is simply the last draft that you submit.

Overview of Drafting

Drafting is the bridge between pre-writing and a polished final paper. It’s where your ideas, research, and planning come together into a full-length document. Drafting isn’t about getting it perfect—it’s about getting it written.

 

Write with an Audience and Purpose in Mind


When you are drafting, stay focused by remembering who you’re writing for and your paper’s purpose. Try your best to connect all of your ideas to your central argument.

Develop Your Argument


Drafting can help clarify your ideas, even if you’re unsure of your exact argument when you begin. Think of drafting as a process of inquiry as well as a way to record your thoughts.

Organize Your Ideas


Prewriting materials, like an outline or a mind map, can guide you, but the drafting process might reveal a better order or structure for your ideas. Drafting can reshape how you approach your material.

Include Basic Components


Although you do not need to draft from beginning to end, your draft should include:

  • An introduction 
  • A thesis statement 
  • Body paragraphs with topic sentences and supporting sentences 
  • A conclusion

Making the Process Work for You

There is no single “right way” to draft. The process varies from writer to writer, so it’s important to find what works best for you.

Decide How to Handle Citations

You can “write and cite,” noting sources and page numbers as you go, or you can focus on drafting first and add citations during the revision process. Some writers like to use citation management software to keep track of citations and references.

If you feel stuck, check out our Writer’s Block page to find practical tips to get your ideas flowing and make progress in your writing.

Writer’s Block

Key Takeaways

Focus on Progress

Drafting is about improving your ideas step by step, not getting it perfect right away.

Find Your Process

Experiment with different approaches to discover the drafting method that works best for you.

Cover the Basics

Drafts should include an introduction, thesis statement, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Check Your Understanding