4.2. Writing the First Full Draft

Tackle one major section at a time—Introduction, Contextual Background, Analysis (divided into sub-claims), Conclusion.

When you begin writing your first draft, it's important to work on one major section at a time instead of trying to write everything all at once. This means you should start with the Introduction, where you outline your main points, then move to the Contextual Background, which provides the necessary background information. Next, you'll write the Analysis, breaking it down further into sub-claims that support your main argument, and finally, you end with the Conclusion that wraps everything up.

Think of this process like building a house. You wouldn't try to build the entire house at once. Instead, you'd start with the foundation (the Introduction), build the walls (Contextual Background), add in the rooms (the sub-claims in Analysis), and finally, put on the roof and finish up with the exterior (Conclusion). Each part needs to be constructed in a logical order to ensure the house stands strong.

Use block quotations sparingly (no more than 50 words) and always follow with your own analysis.

While writing your draft, it's essential to incorporate evidence that supports your claims. Block quotations can be powerful, but you should avoid using them too often. If you include a long quote, make sure it does not exceed 50 words. After presenting a quote, always add your own comments or analysis to explain its relevance. This ensures that your writing not only presents evidence but also interprets it in context, showing how it backs up your argument.

Imagine you're telling a friend about a movie and you want to quote a memorable line. Instead of just saying the line and moving on, you explain its significance—why it was powerful or how it connects to the story. This is what you need to do with evidence in your writing; give context and your personal insight so the reader understands why it's important.

Employ transitional phrases (“Moreover,” “Conversely,” “Building on…”) topic sentences, and signposting to guide the reader through your line of reasoning.

Cohesion in your writing means that your ideas flow logically from one to the next without confusing the reader. To achieve this, you should use transitional phrases such as 'Moreover,' 'Conversely,' or 'Building on…' These phrases help connect one thought to another clearly. Additionally, every section should start with a clear topic sentence that outlines what the paragraph will discuss. Signposting also helps by signaling to your reader what to expect in different parts of your argument.

Think of writing like guiding someone through a maze. If you just let them wander aimlessly, they might get lost. But if you say, 'Go left here,' and 'Now, take a right,' you're helping them navigate through. Similarly, using transitional phrases and topic sentences is like giving directions in your writing; it helps your reader understand where they are and where they’re going.

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