The First Draft – Write it How You Say it

Students create a first draft by writing in their natural speaking voice, removing the barrier between thinking and writing. The focus is on getting ideas down, not on polished prose.

Duration 30–40 minutes

Grouping Individual + teacher conferencing

Strategy Ideas

Materials

Writing materials
Ideas from previous activities

Teacher Instructions

Explain to students that the first draft should sound like them talking. It does not need to be formal or polished.
Students write their first draft using their natural speaking voice – as if they are explaining their ideas to a friend.
As students write, conference with individuals to discuss their ideas and approach.
After writing, students read their draft aloud to check it sounds natural.
Students identify sections that need to be refined in later stages of the cycle.

Teaching Tips

This approach works especially well for students who struggle with formal writing.
Reading aloud helps students hear awkward phrasing.
Emphasise that this is a FIRST draft – the polish comes later in the Skills and Collaboration stages.

Student Handout

The First Draft

Ideas · Activity 4

Write your first draft in your natural voice – as if you’re explaining your ideas to a friend. Don’t worry about being formal or perfect.

My topic/idea

First draft

Sections to refine later