DRAFT
Gospel Insight
When Oliver Cowdery attempted to help Joseph Smith translate the Book of Mormon, he expected instant results. But revelation—like writing—requires more than asking. It requires engaged effort:
“Behold, you have not understood; you supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.”
“You must study it out in your mind.”
—D&C 9:7–8
Like Oliver, we often want our ideas to come fully formed. But both spiritual and intellectual insight emerge only after we begin. Writing your rough draft is an act of that same faith and effort: putting thoughts into form, even before they feel perfect.
“I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept.”
—2 Nephi 28:30; D&C 98:12
Just as revelation comes gradually, your article takes shape one paragraph, one insight, one decision at a time. This draft builds on every step you’ve taken so far—your SIFT Report, data visualization, and outline. Each layer of scaffolding brought you closer to clarity.
The Lord rarely delivers the final product first. He honors effort, rewards intent, and reveals clarity—line upon line—after we study it out in our minds.
Don’t wait for the perfect sentence. Start writing. Trust the process. Refine later.
This draft is not your final message—it’s the faithful beginning of it. You’ve studied it out. Now write it. One idea at a time, line upon line.
Start humbly. Write boldly. Trust that clarity will come.
Project Roadmap
This is where everything comes together. Your Business Article Rough Draft is the first full version of your business article. As you approach this assignment, build on the scaffolding you’ve created:
- SIFT Report → Use your credible, vetted sources to support your main points
- Data Visualization → Embed your visual where it fits logically and interpret its meaning
- SMART Outline → Structure your article with clear flow, agenda, and transitions
These were never stand-alone tasks—they were preparation for this moment.
Why This Matters
Rough drafts are excruciating to start, but extremely valuable to work from. They are a low-stakes way to work your way into a brilliant final product.
When you have a big project looming at work, trick yourself into success by assigning the rough draft a very early deadline. That will help you stay loose and relaxed as you write. Pixels are free, so go ahead and brain dump all over the place. Your outline will help you put things where they need to go later.
Read the Textbook Chapter
Apply freewriting techniques to overcome perfectionism and generate early drafts that clarify thinking and build writing fluency.
Draft unified, coherent, and well-developed paragraphs using clear topic sentences, logical sequencing, and supporting detail.
Use transitions and structural patterns to guide readers effectively through multi-paragraph business messages.
Recognize the impact of tone on reader perception, and adjust phrasing to maintain professionalism, confidence, sincerity, and inclusivity.
Evaluate and revise early drafts for paragraph strength, logical structure, and tone appropriateness before finalizing business communication.
1. Disciplinary Writing Strong alignment
Focuses on tone, clarity, and structure specific to professional business communication.
Helps students match purpose, voice, and formatting to workplace audiences and expectations.
3. Writing Processes Strong alignment
Reinforces prewriting (freewriting), drafting, and revising as iterative steps.
Encourages paragraph-level organization, structural awareness, and tone sensitivity—all hallmarks of professional writing development.
5. Knowledge of Conventions Moderate alignment
Reinforces paragraphing, tone appropriateness, and stylistic conventions for professional communication.
Shows students how poor structure or tone can undermine message credibility, using real-world business examples (e.g., Tesla).
Mission Alignment Strong alignment
Teaches students to communicate with clarity, care, and credibility, aligning with the development of leaders who serve others through ethical and effective communication.
Reinforces habits of intellectual discipline (through structured drafting) and character (through intentional tone and audience awareness).
Vision Alignment Moderate alignment
Emphasizes Christlike leadership traits such as humility, empathy, and accountability through thoughtful tone and respectful messaging.
Encourages students to write in a way that builds trust, shows compassion, and promotes understanding, even when delivering difficult news—hallmarks of Christ-centered leadership.
Values Alignment
Integrity in Action Demonstrates that ethical communication includes structuring your message clearly and choosing tone that respects others, even when facts are difficult to share.
Excellence Encourages students to go beyond just getting facts right—to also structure messages logically, write with purpose, and lead with empathy and professionalism.
Student-Centered Statement
This lesson centers on students by removing the pressure of perfection and focusing on progress and clarity. It honors their creative process and provides them with approachable strategies—like freewriting and structured drafting—to help them succeed. It supports their growth as writers who communicate with empathy, professionalism, and confidence in their unique voice.