Development

Now you’re ready to develop the rough draft. Remember—you can’t write the last draft first. You will need to have the patience to go at it several times before you are satisfied that you have the form you feel comfortable with—one that will accomplish your purpose. In development, don’t try to write the introduction first. That can come after everything else is complete. Essay-writers, especially students, often become very discouraged because they can’t get the first word on paper. That’s because you’re not ready for that part yet. The introduction is easy to write once everything else is complete.

Also, in developing your first draft, don’t worry about spelling, punctuation, and other mechanical parts of a paper that will get a good grade and be well-received. You will do that when you have the rough draft finished and are ready to edit and proofread. You’ll save time by doing that after the rough draft is complete.