Set up a computer folder or file for your essay. Give the file a clear and relevant name, and save to it often.
Save and name your files to distinguish among drafts. Because you will likely change your text over time, save a copy of each version. If you are sending a copy to classmates for review, give the file a new but related name. For example, for a first draft saved as religion essay d1, save a copy as religion essay d2. Then, when you receive responses, you can leave the copy of your first draft as is and make revisions on religion essay d2.
Track changes within a document file to try out new versions. Most writing software allows you to track changes you make within a draft, seeing how new material would look and deciding later whether to keep or discard the changes. This function is useful when you are working on a piece of writing with another writer or when you aren’t sure which version of your draft you like best.
Have all your information close at hand and arranged according to your organizational plan. Stopping to search for a piece of information can break your concentration or distract you.
Keep track of any sources you plan to include. Keep a working bibliography, and make notes in your draft of any information that comes from your research. If you find useful information online, you can cut and paste it into a document to ensure that you have the information exactly as you found it; however, highlight or save it in a different color so that you don’t mistakenly borrow writing that is not your own.
Try to write in stretches of at least thirty minutes. Writing can build momentum, and once you get going, the task becomes easier.
Don’t let small questions bog you down. Just make a note of them in brackets—
Remember that first drafts aren’t perfect. Concentrate on getting all your ideas written down, and don’t worry about anything else.
Stop writing at a place where you know exactly what will come next. Doing so will help you start easily when you return to the draft.