Review and Improve Your Draft

Creating the first draft of an analytical essay is a complex and rewarding process. In the course of learning about a subject, you’ve developed an interpretive question, chosen an interpretive framework, and conducted an analysis; you’ve made and supported an interpretive claim; and you’ve organized your reasons and evidence and framed your essay. Once you complete your first draft, you should step back and assess its strengths and weaknesses. A careful review — done individually and with the help of others — can help you pinpoint where you should invest time in improving your essay.