Preparing the Rough Draft (Step 6) Great Expectations Preparing the Rough Draft (Step 6) (Thanks to Sally Shelton & Dr. James Tollett for the foundation of this presentation)

Step Six: Constructing the Rough Draft Review Putting together the first Rough Draft

Review: Thesis Statement The Thesis Statement is the controlling idea of the paper Makes a proposition, statement of case, or addresses a question to be answered by the research Charts (outlines) the entire scope of the paper When outlining or writing the paper, check material against the Thesis Statement

Review: Outline The Outline: Is the Backbone for the Paper Provides basis for organization of the research

Review: Notes Notes are taken from pre-screened, good quality, relevant to the Thesis Statement, academic sources Notes form the basis for writing the paper and creating footnotes and the bibliography Notes should be placed in the paper according to the outline

Review: The Paragraph (the smallest self-contained unit of the paper, containing only one idea/concept)   TOPIC SENTENCE The first sentence in the paragraph should either introduce the topic to be discussed or link this paragraph with the previous one. There is to be only one idea to a paragraph.   EXPLANATION/DISCUSSION The next sentence(s) should amplify, explain, or argue the point introduced by the first sentence.   CONCLUSION/TRANSITION The last sentence should conclude the discussion and/or act as a transition to the next paragraph.

Review: The Paragraph (cont.) Three Questions to Ask Is the idea in the paragraph prevalent? Does this paragraph clarify or confuse the issue? Does this paragraph belong here in the paper, or elsewhere?

Preparing the Rough Draft Review Thesis Statement, Outline, and Notes – make necessary modifications Have ample supplies on hand Have an appropriate work space Write paper in one sitting, without stopping – Grammar is not that important at this point (Remember Phase I of Peer-editing)

Tips for Preparing a Rough Draft Use a tape recorder to get first draft Write on every other line, or triple space Tape long quotes on your note cards (or allow enough space, if using computer note cards to cut/paste) to the Rough Draft. Note: The Rough Draft is often shorter than the required length of the finished product