What are First Drafts, Second Drafts, etc.?

Question

I've been reading a few questions on this site, and I've seen the terms First, Second or Third Drafts. What does this refer to actually? And could someone give a clear detail of what they are, and why specifically three drafts?

Answer 1

Hi, Cheyenne. They are most likely talking about the multiple times a student needs to edit and revise their essay before it is ready to submit. In most high school English classes, students are required to edit and revise their essays at least three times so they can practice the writing process of peer review, reflection, and editing. College essays, though, are more complex and will require more than three drafts to polish before submission.