Your first paper’s first draft is due soon. However, there’s no cause for alarm. I know that students will stress over the quality of their initial drafts, but there’s no need to. In composition studies, there’s a concept (taken from Anne Lamott) called the “shitty first draft.” Some teachers will repeat this a lot. It’s an important concept if you’re a struggling writer. Don’t worry about acceptance, accolades, or evaluation of your writing: complete a first draft knowing that it won’t be finished, that it won’t be your best. This is the whole purpose of a writing process—your initial thoughts may be jumbled and you may miss a few points, but with revision that shitty first draft will become a stronger text.
But what about my grade? That’s a reality that Lamott wasn’t directly addressing. Buuuuuuuuuut for this class, the only pressure you should feel when an initial draft is due is the pressure to have a draft, never mind the quality. Of course, you should complete the best draft that you’re able to. But sometimes the best draft that you’re able to finish at any given due date isn’t that great, especially the first time you attempt a prompt. You can then improve your draft, and even if that draft isn’t earth-shattering, it will be better. And that’s the point.
101 Students
Did you read the previous blog link I posted? If not, stop and do that now. There are good suggestions there—I pretty much explain how to write the paper. Remember—discuss an example, explain how that example encourages customers to buy the product, and then explain how the ad attempts to connect with its specific audience (what magazine published the ad—there’s your audience). The biggest weakness I tend to see in these papers is a lack of analysis, or explanation of how the elements in an ad connect with an audience. Sometimes, students will write papers that just repeat the ad’s argument, as if they’re making the ad themselves. Don’t do that. Your job is to explain how an ad works and offer your thought about how well it does that job. Don’t be afraid to be critical. “Critical” means to point out the strong points of an ad as well as any negative aspects. Is it manipulative? Is the supermodel/actress really dependent on the product for their beauty? Will this fitness product really turn the average dude into a ripped stud?
102 Students
Did you read the previous blog link I posted? If not, stop and do that now. There are good suggestions there—I provide good instructions for writing an argument, which is what you’re doing. Remember to cite any source information your paper uses. Remember to create an annotated bibliography along with your paper, and that the annotated bibliography does NOT count towards your page limit. I’ve posted templates for the annotated bibliography in a folder titled “MLA Templates” in the Course Information section. Review those sheets and email me with any questions.
Students in Both Courses
Post drafts for Writing Project One by Wednesday. Don’t worry if the drafts aren’t complete or perfect. I just want to see your ideas and as much of your paper that you’re able to produce. Thursday morning, I’ll post an announcement on Blackboard with your review partner and I’ll provide review questions in a thread in the discussion post. If you’re struggling or have any questions at all, email me immediately. We can always set up a Zoom meeting to discuss your draft.
Again, submit a draft that is complete as it can be; you may be missing a point or the conclusion—that’s okay! Do the best you’re able and you’ll do fine. And you’ll be able to handle any criticism knowing you did the best that you could. This isn’t just class advice; this is a good way to live your life.
