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The Rough Draft
The preparation you already have put into this paper will now
pay off. What is expected of you should be easy, assuming you've done the
expected preparation. Facing the blank page is daunting but you already
have an idea of where to start from your outline. Use it to your advantage.
Instructions:
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Assemble your notes according to the layout of your outline.
Group them together or pile them up - whatever best works visually for you.
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If you do not have enough note cards to sufficiently support
each major and minor point of your developed argument, you still need to
do more research*.
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What you are looking at is the BODY of your paper.
Read that page NOW.
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Read the information via the links below.
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START WRITING!
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Most people start at the introduction. I personally prefer to
work on the body first because it likely will evolve as I do, so when I do
write the introduction it will match my developed main points. I've even had
some students start with the conclusion. There is no correct way, only the way
best suited for YOU.
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The majority of what you write (I, and every other writing teacher,
expect 80% at least) will be YOUR VOICE, sharing your previous and
new-found expertise, reflection and opinion of the subject - YOUR THOUGHTS.
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If you are having trouble coming up with something to write,
you still have more research to do*!
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After you have developed a couple pages, at minimum, for the
body, read the pages regarding the INTRODUCTION
and CONCLUSION.
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INTRO
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How will you attract the reader's attention?
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Did you mention your main points in advance?
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Where will you place your thesis?
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CONCLUSION
You have time in class to do this but I advise you to make time
outside of class as well.
*If you need to do more research, here are some helpful guides:
The following links address bad habits and unforeseen problems
associated with writing the rough draft. USE THEM TO YOUR ADVANTAGE.
The Nitty Gritty:
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Ten (10) pages minimum (not 9 1/2 or 9
3/4 - 10 complete) in MLA format (review your work against the
guidelines)
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It's understood that:
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There likely will be mechanical errors
(grammar, capitalization, punctuation, etc.)
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This draft will be scrutinized with a
fine-tooth comb and you'll have ample time to correct your errors later, but
it is expected that you do your best as if this were a final draft
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Upload as: Research Paper
to Moodle
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Do not worry yet about attaching the
Works Cited page
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You don't need to, but it's advisable
to update your outline if your rough draft changes course. That way,
you'll keep focused while drafting AND when you work on your final draft,
you'll be able to look again at your outline if you need to make corrections
to logic, etc.
Some external resources used with permission:
Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL)
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