Summary Rules for Writers Chapter 2

Rules for Writing: Chapter 2 Drafting


A rough draft is a time for ideas and organization. You will need to identify what the thesis of your paper is and include it in your introduction. Usually a thesis is composed in one sentence. The thesis may be easier to construct after you have formulated the main body of your paper. However, it is always important to remember that you need a hook to draw in your audience. Do not assume that they will be interested in the topic. This hook should be your thesis sentence. It is your job as the writer to catch and keep the audiences attention. An effective thesis needs supporting evidence. Collect sources to support the purpose you have identified, making sure you will have enough documentation or you may have to redefine your thesis. Using techniques, one example is blue printing, gives the writer organizational skills so that you are able to write in a way that lets the reader know where the paper is heading. There is a fine line between statements which are too vague or to factual. The body of the paper can be constructed around a preliminary outline which will help you to block out your paragraphs. It is possible during the rough draft that you may exclude some of the ideas you gathered in making your outline, some of your other ideas may stand out as vocal points just needing clarification. It is important to include material that will help your readers follow your train of thought. The conclusion to your paper can be short. It needs to reinforce your main points but, not restate them. It can also be used to give the reader additional information on the subject to consider.
As a writer the points made in the chapter remind me to stay in touch with the critical parts of a paper. The thesis is so important and the body of the paper needs to fill in the necessary information to support it. I need to remember to stick to the point I am trying to make and not add so much additional information that it gets lost in the print.