The Writing Process, continued

Draft

Now you are ready to start writing. At this stage, don’t worry about making mistakes—just get your ideas down on paper! Turn your details into sentences and paragraphs. As you are writing, you’ll probably think of new ideas. Add those to your draft.

Trang Bui’s Draft

My family stood by the windows and watched the plane land at SeaTac airport in Seattle on October 28, 2007. We were so exsited to see the plane. The people started coming through the door, we lined up so we could see. I had to lift my little sister up so she could see. Suddenly everyone was hugging and crying. My little sister tried to hide. My sister didn’t know my grandparents. She was feeling shy.

Write your ideas in a first draft.

Write your ideas in a first draft.

Revise

A first draft can always be improved. When you revise a draft, you make changes to it.

  • 1 Read Your Draft As you read your draft, ask yourself questions about the most important ideas. Make sure your ideas are clear, complete, and presented in the best way.

    Revision Checklist

    • illustration of a check mark inside a box Did I follow the plan on my FATP chart? Is the language appropriate for the writing form and audience? Did I stick to the topic?

    • illustration of a check mark inside a box Does my writing have a beginning, a middle, and an ending?

    • illustration of a check mark inside a box Are my details organized in the best way? Should I change the order of any details?

    • illustration of a check mark inside a box Did I include details to make my ideas clear? Should I add or cut any details?

    • illustration of a check mark inside a box Did I use the best words to say what I mean? Did I avoid using the same words over and over again?