Writing is an art form. A great writer pours his soul into his work, from the very first brainstorming session to the final draft. But even a good writer can struggle with ideas, structure, and grammar. That’s where the final draft comes in.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the significance of the final draft in essay writing, provide you with actionable tips to optimize your final draft, and help you avoid common mistakes.
The Significance of the Final Draft
A final draft is the last step before submitting your work for review. This is where you tighten up your argument, smooth out your language, and polish your essay until it shines. A final draft essay is your chance to make sure your ideas are polished and crystal clear.
Tips for Revising and Editing the Final Draft Essay
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Put your draft aside for a day or two, then come back and read it again with a fresh perspective. It’s amazing how things you missed the first time around suddenly become apparent.
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Read your essay out loud. This will help you identify awkward phrasing, convoluted sentences, and other potential stumbling blocks.
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Think critically about your essay’s structure. Does your argument follow a logical progression, or does it jump from topic to topic? Are there any gaps in your reasoning?
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Cut unnecessary sections. Does a particular section of your essay add value, or is it just filler? If it isn’t adding value, eliminate it.
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Address feedback. Seek out constructive criticism from others, and use this feedback to refine your work.
Examples of Successful Final Draft Essays
One of the best ways to learn how to optimize your final draft is to see what works. Here are a few examples of successful final draft essays:
- “The Ethics of Eating Meat” by Peter Singer. Singer’s argument for ethical vegetarianism is clear, concise, and persuasive.
- “Just Walk On By: A Black Man Ponders His Power to Alter Public Space” by Brent Staples. Staples explores the ways in which racism shapes the experience of black men in America, using his own personal experience as a case study.
- “David Foster Wallace and the Problem of Irony” by David Lipsky. Lipsky’s essay explores how David Foster Wallace’s use of irony in his fiction reflects his broader philosophical outlook.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t submit your first draft. Take the time to refine your essay until it is as polished as possible.
- Don’t overlook grammar and spelling mistakes. Even if your content is strong, a poorly written essay will not impress your reader.
- Don’t be overly repetitive. Repeating the same ideas over and over again will not strengthen your argument.
By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can elevate your final draft essay and make sure your ideas are presented in the most effective way possible.
Key Takeaways
- A final draft essay is your opportunity to refine your ideas and make sure your argument is clear and effective.
- Take time to revise and edit your essay, and seek out constructive feedback.
- Successful final draft essays often have a clear structure, a concise argument, and a polished prose style.
FAQs
Why is the final draft so important?
The final draft is important because it’s your last chance to make sure your essay is as strong as possible. This is where you refine your ideas, address any remaining issues, and polish your prose until it shines.
What are some common mistakes to avoid?
Some common mistakes to avoid include submitting a first draft, overlooking spelling and grammar mistakes, and repeating the same ideas over and over again.
What should I do if I’m struggling with my final draft?
If you’re struggling with your final draft, try taking a break from your work for a day or two. This will help you see your writing with a fresh perspective. You can also seek out constructive feedback from others, and use this to refine your essay.