Step by Step Writing Ideas in Rough Draft Form

1. Gather Materials
Before you write, have your materials in one place.  You should have paper, pencils, pens, a computer, your outline, and the writing assignment.

2. Use the Outline
Write/type your topic at the top of the page.  Your purpose is to use your outline to write your ideas in paragraph form.  Write as if you were communicating your ideas to another person.  Be clear and specific, providing details and examples.

3. This is a Rough Draft!
Let your words flow without editing your work.  Don't worry about the composition, mechanics, spelling, or neatness.  You will revise later.

4. Just Checking
Read the rough draft to yourself and ask yourself:
Have I...
- used enough details?
-followed my outline?
-stuck to my subject?