Lesson 6.5: Drafting, Feedback and Redrafting

Introduction

In this lesson, students, we will explore the essential elements of drafting, receiving feedback, and redrafting your written work. Writing is not simply about putting words on a page; it is a dynamic process that requires reflection and improvement. By understanding drafting as an iterative practice, you will enhance your ability to convey your ideas clearly and effectively. Our objectives for this lesson are:

To recognize writing as a process of drafting and improving, rather than a single attempt.
To learn how to produce a first draft from a plan without worrying about perfection.
To read a draft critically for content, structure, and clarity.
To effectively act on feedback received from peers and tutors when creating a second draft.
To incorporate redrafting time into your writing tasks to foster improvement.

Let's dive into these concepts step-by-step.

Understanding the Writing Process

Writing is often perceived as a linear journey: think, write, finalize. However, in reality, this process is cyclical and requires multiple insights and revisions along the way. The act of writing involves several stages:

Prewriting: This stage includes brainstorming ideas and organizing your thoughts into a coherent plan. It sets the foundation for your writing.
Drafting: At this stage, you create the first version of your text. The goal here is simply to get your ideas down on the page without worrying about making it perfect.
Revising: This involves reviewing your draft, making substantial changes to enhance clarity and meaning, and focusing on the flow of your arguments.
Editing: This is the final polishing stage where you correct grammatical errors, punctuation, and formatting issues.

Understanding these stages will help you view writing as a process. Let’s focus on drafting first.

1. The Importance of Drafting

Drafting is where your ideas take shape. It is crucial to produce a first draft, which is often imperfect but necessary. The aim is to put your thoughts down without self-editing. Here’s a guide to ensuring a successful first draft:

Follow Your Plan: Start using the outline you created during the prewriting stage. Stick to your main points while allowing flexibility in how you express them.
Set a Time Limit: Decide how long you will spend on drafting. This will create a sense of urgency and keep your focus on completing the draft.
Don’t Edit as You Write: Encourage yourself to resist the urge to correct mistakes or make modifications to your ideas at this stage. Remember, this is just a draft.

Example: First Draft Scenario

Suppose you are writing about the impact of social media on communication. Here is how you might start your first draft:

Social media has radically transformed the way people communicate. Unlike traditional methods of gathering information and speaking with others, platforms like Facebook and Twitter allow for instant interaction. For example, a person can share their opinions with friends at the click of a button, leading to constant dialogue.

In this scenario, you recognize a key point—the transformative nature of social media—but you have not spent time crafting it perfectly. Instead, focus on getting the ideas down, as you will refine them later.

2. Receiving Feedback

Once you create your draft, the next crucial step is obtaining feedback. Feedback is invaluable as it:

Provides a fresh perspective on your writing.
Identifies areas of confusion or misunderstanding.
Suggests improvements related to structure and content.

When seeking feedback, choose peers or tutors who can provide constructive criticism. Here are a few strategies for effective feedback:

Ask Specific Questions: Instead of general requests for feedback, ask targeted questions like, "Does my argument flow logically?" or "Are there areas that seem unclear?"
Be Open to Criticism: Understand that feedback is meant to help you improve. Rather than feeling defensive, consider each suggestion objectively.

Example: Feedback Scenario

Let’s say a peer reads your draft and comments:

“The beginning is engaging, but your argument in the second paragraph feels weak.”
“It would be useful to provide examples about how social media replaces face-to-face interactions.”

By integrating this feedback, you can strengthen your argument and enhance the overall quality of your work.

3. Redrafting

Now comes the exciting part—redrafting, where your writing truly begins to blossom. Here are steps to guide your redrafting process:

Review the Feedback: Carefully assess all comments received and make a list of changes you will implement.
Focus on Cohesion: Check the structure of your piece. Make sure your paragraphs connect logically and that transitions between ideas are smooth. Use linking phrases like "Moreover," “Additionally,” or "In contrast" to ensure fluidity.
Enhance Clarity: As you revise, aim to clarify complex sentences and remove ambiguity. Aim for simplicity and clarity—remember, good writing is clear writing.

Example: Redrafting Scenario

Continuing with our previous example, after receiving feedback, you might revise your second paragraph:

While social media facilitates instant communication, it has also diminished personal interactions. For instance, studies show that teenagers who spend more time on social media tend to engage less in face-to-face conversations. This shift fundamentally alters how we express and understand each other.

Here, you have incorporated feedback to refine your argument and added a concrete example to support your claim.

4. Allocating Redrafting Time

A common misconception among students is that writing a draft should only take one sitting. In reality, time management is critical in the writing process. Here are some techniques to allocate time for redrafting:

Plan Your Schedule: After completing your first draft, set aside specific periods for reviewing and redrafting. This structured approach will prevent last-minute rush and enhance the quality of your work.
Use Timed Reviews: Break down the redrafting process into smaller goals—like focusing on one paragraph at a time during each review session.

Conclusion

Drafting, receiving feedback, and redrafting are interconnected stages in the writing process that can significantly boost the quality of your work. Remember to prioritize producing a clear first draft, actively seek constructive feedback, and dedicate time to redrafting to incorporate improvements. Embracing this iterative process will transform your writing from a simple task into an opportunity for growth.

Study Notes

Writing is a process: Understand that writing involves multiple stages including drafting, revising, and editing.
First Draft Focus: The first draft is about getting ideas on paper without self-censorship.
Feedback Importance: Constructive feedback is vital for improving clarity, organization, and depth in writing.
Revise with Purpose: Use feedback to guide your revisions aiming for cohesion and clarity.
Manage Your Time: Allocate specific times for drafting and redrafting to enhance your writing quality.