What should students aim to do with their first draft in writing?

Students should aim to express their ideas clearly in their first draft before revising for grammar and style. The first draft is primarily a stage for brainstorming and getting thoughts down on paper without the pressure of perfection. It allows writers to explore their ideas, organize their thoughts, and develop a coherent structure for their work. Once the ideas are clearly articulated, revisions can then focus on refining the language and correcting any grammatical issues.

The emphasis during the first draft is on content and clarity of thought rather than on stylistic or grammatical perfection. This approach fosters creativity and encourages writers to freely express their viewpoints, laying a solid foundation for the subsequent drafting process. After this initial phase, students can then focus on improving their writing by fine-tuning their expressions, enhancing the overall style, and ensuring the grammar is correct.