Writing: Planning, Drafting, Revising and Editing (Introduction) (B1) - Lesson 2: Writing a First Draft

B1 Lesson 2: Writing a First Draft

In the last lesson, you learned how to brainstorm and create an outline. Now, you are ready for the second step in the writing process: writing the first draft¹.

The most important rule of drafting is: Don't worry about making it perfect! The goal is to get your ideas from your outline onto the page in full sentences and paragraphs. We will fix mistakes later.

From Outline to Draft

Your outline is your map. Your first draft is the journey. You simply need to expand each point from your outline into a complete sentence.

Let's use our outline from the last lesson:

Topic: The benefits of learning a new language.

Main Ideas:

• 1. Career advantages
• 2. Personal growth
• 3. Culture and fun

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Now, let's expand each point into a sentence or two for our draft.

Outline Point 1: Career advantages.

→ Draft Sentences: Learning a new language can provide many career advantages. For example, it can help you get a better job in the tourism industry.

Outline Point 2: Personal growth.

→ Draft Sentences: In addition, it is also good for personal growth. It can make you feel more confident and is a great exercise for your brain.

Tips for Writing a Good First Draft

• Focus on Content: Just focus on explaining the ideas from your outline. Don't stop to check every spelling or grammar rule.
• Write Quickly: Try to write without taking long breaks. This helps you keep your ideas flowing. If you get stuck on a word, write the Khmer word and keep going!
• Follow Your Outline: Your outline is your guide. Try to write one paragraph for each main point in your outline.
• Don't Delete: Even if you think a sentence is bad, don't delete it. You can fix it or remove it later. The goal is to get words on the page.

✍️ First Draft Checklist

As you write your draft, ask yourself:

• ✔️ Am I following my outline?
• ✔️ Am I expanding each main point into full sentences?
• ✔️ Am I focusing on getting my ideas down, not on being perfect?
• ✔️ Have I written a full paragraph for each main idea from my outline?

🧠 Practice Quiz: What is the Goal of a First Draft?

Read the options below. Which one is the MAIN goal when you are writing a first draft?

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1. To have perfect grammar and spelling.
2. To write as quickly as possible without thinking.
3. To get your ideas from your plan onto paper in full sentences and paragraphs.

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Answer: C. The goal of a first draft is to translate your plan into sentences. The process of correcting grammar and spelling comes later, during the editing stage.

📝 Homework: Write Your First Draft

In the last lesson, your homework was to create a brainstorm list or mind map for one of these topics:

• The advantages and disadvantages of social media.
• Why it is important to protect Cambodia's natural environment.

Your homework today is to write the first draft of that short essay.

1. First, look at your brainstorm notes and create a simple outline with 2-3 main points.
2. Next, open your notebook and write a full first draft. Write an introduction, one body paragraph for each main point, and a short conclusion.
3. Remember the goal: Focus on content, not perfection! Just write.

Vocabulary Glossary

1. First Draft: (Noun) - ការព្រាងដំបូង - The first version of a piece of writing, which is not expected to be perfect. ↩
2. Process: (Noun) - ដំណើរការ - A series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end. ↩
3. Expand: (Verb) - ពង្រីក - To make something larger or more extensive; to add detail. ↩
4. Perfection: (Noun) - ភាពល្អឥតខ្ចោះ - The state of being perfect or without fault.
5. Content: (Noun) - ខ្លឹមសារ - The ideas, information, and thoughts in a piece of writing.