Step 5: Writing Your First Draft

First draft is to focus on content, do not worry about mechanics, yet.

Your goal is 3-5 pages typed in a standard, size 12 font.

Sort notecards by the numbers and main ideas from your outline.

Keep your outline in front of you while you write to keep you on track.

Write each section of the main body from the cards about that section.

Stop and insert citations for every quote, fact, or statistic that is not your own words or your own ideas.

Once again, AVOID PLAGIARISM! This is an automatic failure.

Be sure each paragraph is focused on one main idea.

Go back and insert an introduction and conclusion after reviewing your main body.

Reread for logic and flow of ideas.