Easton Area High School English Department
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Rough Draft

At some point systematic writing must begin.  Write your first draft using your outline to keep order, and use notecards for evidence and support. Word processing simplifies the drafting and revision process, but it also removes the evidence of the evolution of your work.  Print your draft periodically to create a record of your authorship.

In general, formal writing requires use of the third person. The first person should be used sparingly, such as when speaking of personal efforts (e.g., "I considered several sources" not "the study considered several sources"). Write the paper in the present tense (except when reporting historic happenings). Some curricular areas may prefer writing in the past tense; consult your instructor. Once you have decided on a tense, be consistent with that selection.

Writing the paper will take days during which frustration may occur. Relax. Take breaks. Leave time for drafting the paper, revising carefully, and preparing the final manuscript.