Refer to your pre-writing activity when you write your rough draft. Review the Handy Guide to Five Paragraphs before you start.

Activity: Print off this worksheet, and decide what should go first. What should be in your introductory paragraph? The introducation should give the reader an idea of what your paper is going to be about. It should contain some type of thesis statement. (If you cannot decide what goes first, take a look at The Desert Trail or Hi Desert Star on-line, and read a few articles. What usually goes in the introductory paragraph?)You can also look at the Ideas for Great Beginnings.

Next, write the "middle" of your paper. In this part, you will organize all of your notes from your pre-writing. This is where the "meat" of your article goes. Look at your notes and organize them into separate paragraphs. These paagraghs should be supportive of your introduction and your thesis statement. Everything needs to flow smoothly.

The conclusion, or "end", of your article should sum up what you have said, without repeating too much. It should give the reader some final thoughts on the topic you are writing about.

Now that you have your rough draft, get ready to revise and edit! For some great revision ideas, check here on how to "Dress Up" your paper.
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