Step 8: Write The First Draft

Once you have developed the basic structure of your report, you can begin writing. Your goal in writing the first draft is to get your ideas onto paper. Experts indicate that there is no set process to follow, so use the process that works for you. A few suggestions that might help you get started are provided below.

• Write a paragraph that describes what the report is about.

• Freewrite for a set period of time or amount of text.

• Re-read the information you have gathered.

• Write the sections that you feel most comfortable with first, then write the others.

• Divide your outline into sections and tackle one section at a time.

 

When you write your first draft, it is not important to worry about grammar, spelling, or the most appropriate word choice. The trick is to keep writing and not get bogged down by trying to make your first draft perfect. During the editing and revision stages you will be able to make the necessary changes.