Writing: Planning, Drafting, Revising & Editing (The Full Process) (B2) - Lesson 2: Drafting Complex Texts Systematically
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Hello B2 Writers! 👋
You've learned how to create detailed outlines and plans for your writing. Now it's time for the next crucial step in the writing process: drafting. Drafting is when you transform your outline into full sentences and paragraphs, creating the first complete version of your text.
For complex texts like essays or reports, a systematic approach to drafting can make the process much more manageable and effective.
In this lesson, you will:
- Understand the main purpose of drafting complex texts.
- Learn a systematic approach to writing a first draft based on your outline.
- Get tips for managing longer and more detailed information during drafting.
- Practice drafting sections of a text from an outline.
The Purpose of a First Draft (for Complex Texts)
Remember, the first draft is about translating your planned ideas and structure (from your outline) into continuous prose – actual sentences and paragraphs.
Key goals for your first draft at B2 level:
- Develop Your Ideas: Expand on the points in your outline with explanations, evidence, and examples.
- Establish Structure: Follow your outline to build clear introductory, body, and concluding paragraphs.
- Achieve Cohesion and Coherence: Start linking your ideas and paragraphs logically using transition words and other cohesive devices.
- Focus on Content over Perfection: The primary goal is to get a complete version of your text written. Don't get too bogged down in perfecting every word, sentence, or grammar point at this stage. That comes later, during revision and editing.
Your first draft is a working version that you will improve upon.
A Systematic Approach to Drafting
Following your outline systematically can make drafting less daunting:
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Draft the Introduction Paragraph:
- Start with your planned hook (if any) to engage the reader.
- Provide any brief background information needed.
- Clearly write your thesis statement (the main argument or purpose of your text).
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Draft Body Paragraphs One by One:
For each body paragraph in your outline:
- Begin with the topic sentence you planned.
- Develop the topic sentence by writing out your supporting points, evidence, examples, and explanations from your outline. Turn your outline notes into full sentences.
- Focus on explaining each point clearly.
- Think about how sentences connect within the paragraph (use simple transitions if needed).
- Write a concluding sentence for the paragraph if it helps to summarize or transition.
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Use Transitions Between Body Paragraphs:
As you move from one body paragraph to the next, use transition words or phrases (e.g., "Furthermore," "In contrast," "Another important aspect is...") at the beginning of the new paragraph to show the logical link to the previous one.
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Draft the Conclusion Paragraph:
- Begin by restating your thesis statement in different words.
- Briefly summarize the main points from your body paragraphs.
- End with a final thought, suggestion, or implication related to your topic. Avoid introducing completely new information.
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General Drafting Tips:
- Don't edit too much: If you get stuck on a word or a perfect sentence, make a note and move on. Maintain your writing flow.
- Follow your outline: But be flexible if new ideas emerge that fit your thesis. You can always adjust your outline later.
- Take breaks: If you're writing a longer text, take short breaks to stay fresh.
Example: Drafting a Body Paragraph from an Outline
Let's say your outline for a body paragraph on "The Benefits of Reading" looks like this:
Outline - Body Paragraph 1:
- Topic Sentence: Reading regularly expands vocabulary significantly.
- Evidence/Example 1: Exposure to new words in different contexts.
- Explanation 1: Helps understand meaning and usage.
- Evidence/Example 2: Encountering diverse writing styles.
- Explanation 2: Introduces wider range of expressions.
- Concluding idea: Leads to more articulate communication.
Drafted Body Paragraph:
Reading regularly expands vocabulary significantly. When individuals read widely, they are exposed to a multitude of new words in various contexts. This repeated exposure helps them not only to learn the definitions of these words but also to understand their nuanced usage. Furthermore, encountering diverse writing styles introduces readers to a broader range of expressions and sentence structures. As a result of this enriched linguistic input, readers often find their own ability to communicate, both in speaking and writing, becomes more articulate and precise.
Notice how:
- The topic sentence from the outline starts the paragraph.
- The points about "new words" and "writing styles" are developed into full sentences with explanations.
- Transition words like "Furthermore" and "As a result" are used to connect ideas.
- The concluding idea is woven into the final sentence.
Practice Systematic Drafting!
Activity 1: From Outline Point to Topic Sentence
Your essay outline has this main point for a body paragraph: "Increased global tourism - positive economic impacts for local communities". Write a clear topic sentence for this paragraph.
Activity 2: Draft a Body Paragraph (Guided)
Thesis Statement for an essay: "Social media has significantly changed how people communicate, both positively and negatively."
Your task: Draft one body paragraph based on the following outline points. Focus on developing the ideas into full sentences and ensuring they support the topic sentence.
- Topic Sentence for this paragraph: One major positive impact of social media is its ability to connect people across geographical distances.
- Supporting Point 1: Friends and family can stay in touch easily. (Provide an example or explanation)
- Supporting Point 2: People can form communities based on shared interests. (Provide an example or explanation)
- Concluding thought for paragraph: Reinforce the idea of connection.
✨ Tips for Effective Drafting ✨
- Set Realistic Goals: Don't try to write the entire essay or report in one sitting. Break it down into sections (e.g., draft the introduction today, two body paragraphs tomorrow).
- Minimize Distractions: Find a quiet place where you can focus on getting your ideas from your outline into sentences.
- It's Okay to Be Imperfect: This is a DRAFT. The goal is completion and development of ideas, not perfection. You will revise and edit later.
- Refer to Your Outline Frequently: Make sure each paragraph aligns with your plan and supports your thesis.
- Focus on One Paragraph at a Time: Develop each paragraph fully before moving to the next, but ensure you're building connections between them.
Turning Plans into Text! 🎉
Systematic drafting, guided by your outline, is a powerful way to build complex texts. Remember, this is the stage to expand your ideas and create a complete first version of your work!