The Final Draft

Introduction

You are nearly at the end of the course! This lesson covers the task of finalizing your essay. You have worked hard to get here, so take a deep breath, and be proud of your accomplishment. This Lesson will teach you how to wrap up the loose ends associated with your completed essay. It is mostly concerned with the final tasks you must complete before handing in or presenting your essay. With this in mind, be sure to get any ambiguous information cleared up with your educator or superior before moving on to this step. For instance, if he or she has not indicated so already, ask your educator if they require specific formatting or presentation. Likewise, find out if they want page numbers and your name on all pages. Being clear on these points will save you problems and reprinting later on.

For this Lesson you will need:

• Access to a printer.
• Good printer paper.
• A heavy or mid-weight essay binder with cover and back (optional)
• A stapler or paper clip if not using a binder

• Give your last revised revision a quick once over.
  
  You can do this on the computer if you so choose. Be sure to fix any last minute mistakes and save your essay one last time.


• Create a cover sheet.
  
  Your cover sheet should include, in the upper right corner, your full name, the title of your essay (mid-page, centered), the professor or teacher's name, and the course number, if applicable. An example cover sheet is provided below.


• Number your pages starting from the body of the essay to your last page.
  
  Bottom page, right is standard, but follow any guidelines given by your instructor, if applicable. Do not include the cover sheet in auto-numbering.


• Add your first and last name.
  
  Include your name on all pages in the lower left corner of your essay, opposite the page number, excluding the cover page.


• Back it up!
  
  
  
  It may seem unimportant at this stage, but more students have lost final drafts just before the hand in time, than rabbits have lost unlucky feet. Don't think it can't happen to you. Save it to your removable media or email yourself or a friend a copy of the final draft saved as, MyEssayName_FinalDraft.doc.


• Print out two copies of your final draft on good printer paper.
  
  While standard, lightweight paper may be used, it is a much nicer touch to use a heavier, thicker paper. Do not use resume paper for this task since it is unnecessary and costly.


• Bind it.
  
  Place one copy in your binder, if using one and put the other in a folder or safe place just in case you need it.


• Staple or clip.
  
  If you are not binding your essay, staple the upper left corner of your pages or paperclip them together.


• Hand it in and let it go!
  
  Give your essay over to your audience and let go of the outcome. Nothing spoils the gratification of hard work than to worry about the grade or response that you are going to get. You will find out soon enough, so don't cloud your mind with anxiety over what others are going to think. The time to worry was the time that you were creating and finalizing.


• Use constructive criticism to your advantage.
  
  
  
  It is unlikely, if you worked hard, but many students get a lower grade then expected on their first few essays. Likewise, many business people don't accomplish their goal on the first try. If you do get a lower grade or a poor response to your essay, find out why. Ask your audience exactly where it is that you can improve and what was wrong with the essay. This shows a willingness to accept and learn from those more experienced than you are and it will make you a better writer. Learn and move on.

Robin Johnson

ENG-401

Professor William

The Romance of Tragedy

CONCLUSION

Finalizing your essay is a relatively easy task compared to the hard work you have done to get to this point. Nevertheless, be sure not to slack at this juncture. While it may not affect the outcome extensively, not including your name, page numbers, or title can pose a problem. Be sure to give a good presentation of your work, it will make a lasting impression on your reader. It is worth the extra last effort.