In Weeks 1 and 2, you worked on finding an angle for your chosen topic. You also worked on brainstorming, writing a thesis statement, and gathering evidence in support of your thesis statement. These are all components of prewriting leading up to your Final Draft, which is due in Week 4.The rough draft is the first version of your essay. It is an important step in the writing process because it helps you see the strengths and weaknesses of your paper. The rough draft is not meant to be perfect, it is meant to be revised—maybe more than once. This is the time to try out new ideas, and see what works best for what you want to accomplish in this writing piece.
Most writers do not begin by writing an essay from beginning to end, but rather build it in the following sequence. Your draft must have these components:
Here is a suggested sequence for writing the first draft:
The introduction must include a thesis statement.This is an important part of the paper. This is where you clearly state what your paper is about and your stand on the topic. Remember to include three reasons or support for your thesis. For example, Chocolate labs make the best dogs because they are loyal, good companions, and good with children. (But remember, you are not writing about dogs. This will be a draft of the paper you began in Week 1.)
Each body paragraph should discuss one of your reasons or one support piece of your thesis. For example, the first paragraph of the above thesis would be about how chocolate labs are loyal, the second about how they are good companions, and the third how they are good with children. You should also include transitional paragraphs that can be used to move from one supporting paragraph to the next.
The conclusion must be strong and not leave the reader hanging, like at the end of a bad movie. It also should not be merely a summary of what the reader just read. Instead, focus on what you learned during your research. The conclusion is your last chance to convince your audience to believe what you say. Use this opportunity to leave them with your most important points. One way to end the conclusion is to use a call to action (see http://www.webster.edu/academic-resource-center/writingcenter/writing-tips/conclusions.html (Links to an external site.)).
For a template and instructions on creating an IWG document, click here. All you have to do is plug your rough draft into the template.
This draft should be between 500-600 words long, and it should include your two sources. The sources should be used to support your own ideas.
As you did in Week 1, you must submit your draft to the Writing Center for feedback. You have the same choices as before: you can submit it online, or you can sign up for an appointment and meet (online) with one of the learning coaches. Here is the link: https://online-shc.com/arc/wsc/ (Links to an external site.).
**Appointments must be scheduled through the system. Please note, if you do not submit your paper by Thursday, 9am, there is a chance you will not receive feedback in time for this assignment.**
Once you have completed the rough draft to your satisfaction, submit it as an attachment below.
Criteria | Ratings | Pts | ||||
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOverview: Assignment was submitted in the proper format. Spelling, grammar, mechanics |
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15.0 pts |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDraft: Draft includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. There is a clear thesis statement/argument to the paper. |
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75.0 pts |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeReferences: References are correctly formatted and included in the assignment. |
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15.0 pts |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThe Writing Center |
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15.0 pts |
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Total Points: 120.0 |