Writing a rough draft is an important part of the writing process. A rough draft provides an opportunity to write down ideas and thoughts. Writing a rough draft for an essay or creative piece can be difficult. You should start with a brainstorming or brainstorming process to stimulate the creative process and then take the time to outline a draft. After that, you'll be better prepared to sit down and write a rough draft.
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Part 1 of 3: Brainstorming for Drafts
Step 1. Use a free-writing method on a specific topic or subject
Stimulate your creativity by free-writing your essay topic or subject. You can use the essay questions given by the teacher to stimulate your freewriting process or you can describe the subject or topic from the point of view of the main character in your creative essay. Freewriting is a good warm-up for your brain before drafting a rough draft.
- Freewriting usually works best when you set a time limit, such as five or ten minutes. Don't put your pencil down while you're writing so you feel "forced" to keep writing about a subject or topic for a certain amount of time.
- For example, if you are writing an essay about the death penalty, you might use the hook: “What issues or problems might the death penalty raise?” and write anything about it for ten minutes.
- Often, free-writing is a good way to produce writing that you can use in rough drafts. You may be surprised at what you produce in the freewriting process.
Step 2. Create a cluster map of the topic or subject
A cluster map is a brainstorming tactic that can help you find keywords and phrases that can be used in a rough draft. This method can also help determine your stance on a particular subject or topic, especially if you are writing a persuasive essay or article.
- To use the cluster method, write a main word that describes the topic or subject in the center of the page and then write the key words and thoughts around it. Circle the word in the middle of the page and relate it to the key words and thoughts then circle each word while grouping it around the main word.
- For example, if you are trying to write a short story about “angry”, write “angry” in the middle of the page and then write words like “volcano”, “hot”, “my mother”, and “tantrum”.
Step 3. Read articles on the topic or subject
If you are writing an academic essay, you should do your research by reading scientific articles on your subject or topic. Reading scientific articles can be inspirational and help prepare a rough draft. Take notes as you read the article, writing down the main points and themes that you can investigate further when writing your draft.
- If you're writing creatively, you can look for posts that have a similar idea or theme to what you want to write about. You can search text by subject and read it to get ideas.
- Find inspiration by reading books written by your favorite authors. Also find new writers who have creative work on topics that interest you. You can borrow those author's elements and use them in your draft.
- You can find additional resources online and at your local library. Ask the librarian at your local library for additional information that can help you find resources and reading materials.
Part 2 of 3: Creating a Draft Outline
Step 1. Outline the plot
If you're writing a creative story, such as a novel or short story, you should sit down and outline the plot. This outline can be very basic and need not be too detailed. Having a plot outline can help you manage your draft.
- You can use the Snowflake or Snowflake Method to outline the plot. Using this method, write a sentence that summarizes your story, followed by a summary paragraph and a synopsis of the characters in your story. You will also need to create a worksheet to write the scenes in your story.
- In addition to the Snowflake Method, you can use plot diagrams. This method has six parts: preparation, initial event, ascending action, climax, descending action, and completion.
- Whichever option you choose, make sure your outline has a beginning, climax, and completion. The process of writing a draft will be easier if you have these three elements.
Step 2. Three-act method
Another method for drafting a creative story is the three-act method. This structure is popular in the world of drama or film writing, but it can also be used for writing novels and other long stories. This method can be generated quickly and serves as a map for rough drafts. The three-act method consists of:
- Act 1: In Act 1, the protagonist in your story meets another character. The main conflict is introduced in this chapter. Your protagonist should have a primary target that causes him to make certain decisions. For example, in Act 1, your main character is bitten by a vampire after the first date. He probably went into hiding after becoming a vampire.
- Act 2: In Act 2, you introduce a complication that exacerbates the main conflict. These complications make it difficult for your protagonist to reach his goal. For example, in this Act, your character realizes that he has to attend his best friend's wedding even though he is now a vampire. His best friend might call to confirm his arrival which makes it difficult for your protagonist to hide.
- Act 3: In Act 3, you present the resolution of the main conflict. This completion can mean your character succeeds or fails to achieve his goals. For example, in Act 3, you may decide that your character attends his best friend's wedding and pretends that he is not a vampire. His best friend may know the secret, but still accept it for what it is. You can also end the story by having the main character bite the groom and turn him into a vampire.
Step 3. Outline the essay
If you're writing an academic essay or article, you might want to create an essay outline that has three parts: introduction, body, and conclusion. While traditional essays generally have five paragraphs, you don't need to go into detail about the paragraphs. Use three sections and enter as many paragraphs as you need to fill each section. Outline example:
- Part 1: Introduction, including a hook sentence, thesis sentence, and three main points. Most academic essays have three main points.
- Section 2: Body paragraph, including a discussion of your three main points. In this section, you should also provide supporting evidence for each main point from external sources and from your own point of view.
- Section 3: Conclusion, including a summary of your main points, a thesis statement statement, and a conclusion or thought statement.
Step 4. Create a thesis sentence
If you are drafting an academic essay, you must have a thesis sentence. The thesis sentence informs what you will describe in the article. This sentence should serve as a map for your essay and describe how you will answer the essay questions. Thesis sentence is a long sentence that contains a statement of opinion that will be discussed.
- For example, you will write a rough draft about your gluten intolerance. An example of a weak thesis sentence, "There are some advantages and disadvantages to gluten and some people can't tolerate gluten." This sentence is vague and does not provide a solid argument.
- You can make stronger sentences like, "The use of genetically modified wheat is causing an increase in the number of people with gluten intolerance and other gluten-related issues." This thesis statement is specific and introduces the arguments that will be discussed in the article.
Step 5. Enter the reference list
Your outline should include a list of references that you will use for your essay. You should have some references that you read while doing your research and you can include them in your bibliography or reference list. This step is only necessary if you are writing an academic essay or scientific article.
The lecturer or teacher may ask you to create a bibliography using the MLA or APA style. You must format your reference using one of these styles
Part 3 of 3: Writing a Rough Draft
Step 1. Find a quiet and conducive place where you can concentrate on writing
Eliminate anything that can distract you by finding a quiet place at school, at the library, or at home. Turn off your mobile phone or turn off the ring function. Turn off the internet connection and use paper and pencil if you are often distracted by computer games. Creating a quiet place to write will ensure you can concentrate on writing your rough draft.
Also make sure the room temperature is comfortable for writing. You can put classical or jazz music in the background to create the atmosphere and bring snacks so you have something to eat as you write
Step 2. Start from the middle
Trying to write a stunning opening paragraph or first sentence can be intimidating. Start writing the middle of the essay or story. You can start by creating the body of the essay or start with the part where your protagonist encounters a complication that exacerbates the main conflict. Starting at the center of the essay can make it easier for you to write.
You can also write the end of the essay or story before you write the beginning of the story. Some writing guides suggest writing an introductory paragraph at the end of the process because once you've finished your essay, you can create an introduction that represents your entire writing
Step 3. Don't worry about making mistakes
When you're drafting a rough draft, your writing doesn't have to be perfect. A rough draft can look messy and it's okay if you make mistakes or if your draft isn't perfect. Keep writing until you find a storyline even if your phrases and sentences may sound strange at first. You can refine your sentences after you finish your rough draft.
You also shouldn't reread what you wrote once your story has flowed. Don't check every word before writing the next or edit as you write. Concentrate on finishing rough drafts and spilling all ideas onto paper
Step 4. Use the active verb
Get in the habit of using active verbs in your writing, even if you're still in the rough draft stage. Avoid passive verbs because passive verbs often sound bland and boring. Active verbs make you sound simple, clear, and concise even at the drafting stage.
- For example, don't write, "When I was two years old, my mother decided that I would learn to play the violin." Use the active verb and put the subject before the verb, “When I was two years old, my mom decided that I was going to learn to play the violin.”
- You should avoid the prefix "at" because this prefix generally forms a passive verb. Eliminating the "at" prefix and concentrating on using the active verb makes your writing clear and effective.
Step 5. Look at the outline when you hit a deadlock
If you get stuck while writing a rough draft, don't be afraid to take a look at your outline and brainstorming material. Outlines help you remember what material you are going to write about in a particular section of the story plot or body of the essay.
- You can also review the brainstorming material that you created before you write, such as the results of the cluster map exercise or the results of freewriting. Rereading these materials guides your writing and concentrates on completing your rough draft.
- If you get stuck, take a break. Taking a walk, taking a nap, or even washing the dishes can distract you and give your brain time to rest. After that, you can start over with a fresh approach.
Step 6. Reread your draft and make corrections
Once you've finished your rough draft, it's best to leave it and rest. You can go for a walk or do other activities that don't require you to think about the draft. After resting, you can read again with fresh eyes. Most likely, you will be able to find the issue or problem more easily.
- You should also read your rough draft aloud. Pay attention to sentences that sound unclear or confusing. Tick it so you know that the sentences need to be corrected. Don't be afraid to change entire sections or sentences in a rough draft. The writing is only a draft and the draft must be corrected through revision.
- You can also read it in front of other people. Be open to feedback from the person. Getting a different point of view often makes your writing better.
