When creating a writing plan, which of the following should come first

Your first draft will help you work out:

  • the structure and framework of your essay
  • how you will answer the question
  • which evidence and examples you will use
  • how your argument will be logically structured.

Your first draft will not be your final essay; think of it as raw material you will refine through editing and redrafting. Once you have a draft, you can work on writing well.

Structure

Structure your essay in the most effective way to communicate your ideas and answer the question.

All essays should include the following structure.

When creating a writing plan, which of the following should come first

Essay paragraphs

A paragraph is a related group of sentences that develops one main idea. Each paragraph in the body of the essay should contain:

  • topic sentence that states the main or controlling idea
  • supporting sentences to explain and develop the point you’re making
  • evidence from your reading or an example from the subject area that supports your point
  • analysis of the implication/significance/impact of the evidence finished off with a critical conclusion you have drawn from the evidence
  • a concluding sentence that restates your point, analyses the evidence, or acts as a transition to the next paragraph.

When creating a writing plan, which of the following should come first
See The Learning Centre guide Paraphrasing, summarising and quoting

Tips for effective writing

  • Start writing early —the earlier the better. Starting cuts down on anxiety, beats procrastination, and gives you time to develop your ideas.
  • Keep the essay question in mind. Don’t lose track of the question or task. Keep a copy in front of you as you draft, edit and work out your argument.
  • Don’t try to write an essay from beginning to end, especially not in a single sitting. Begin with what you are ready to write—a plan, a few sentences or bullet points. Start with the body and work paragraph by paragraph.
  • Write the introduction and conclusion after the body. Once you know what your essay is about, then write the introduction and conclusion.
  • Use 'signpost' words in your writing. Transition signals can help the reader follow the order and flow of your ideas.
  • Integrate your evidence carefully. Introduce quotations and paraphrases with introductory phrases.
  • Revise your first draft extensively. Make sure the entire essay flows and that the paragraphs are in a logical order.
  • Put the essay aside for a few days. This allows you to consider your essay and edit it with a fresh eye.

When creating a writing plan, which of the following should come first
 See The Learning Centre guides to Introducing quotations and paraphrases and Transition signals

When creating a writing plan, which of the following should come first
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Referencing your essay

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When creating a writing plan, which of the following should come first
We all have a novel in us, or so they say. The problem is, for most people, writing a novel isn't that easy. So, how do you get the ideas from your head onto paper and into some kind of useable format? Of course, there's no magical formula that fits every single writer – what works for one is another's nightmare. But, most writers agree that planning your novel is essential to prevent major plot and character mishaps. Planning helps prevent this from happening so, follow the tips given below and you'll not go far wrong.

Step 1 – The One Sentence Summary

Start by writing a one-sentence summary of your novel. Don't concern yourself with the names of the characters at this stage, just describe the character e.g. "a retired tennis star". So, the sentence could read something like this, "A retired tennis star becomes embroiled in a mafia hit plot after agreeing to coach the mob boss's daughter". Take care when writing this sentence as, when you come to write your book proposal for publishers or agents, this sentence will be a prominent feature – it'll act as the hook to sell you novel.

Step 2 – Describe the story

Now you need to expand the sentence you've just created into a paragraph of about five sentences. A popular way to structure novels is to have a three-act structure:

Use the beginning (the first act) to lead your reader in, introducing the main characters, setting up the main conflict and confirming the time of the book.

Use the middle (the second act) to develop your themes and reveal more about the main characters. But, make sure you have enough conflict and tension here or it can start to drag.

In the end section (the third act), the story needs to go up a gear; this is where it should reach a climax. Eventually, you should tie-up most of the loose ends, but there's nothing like a few unresolved problems to get your readers demanding a sequel!

Step 3 – Characters

Now you need to turn your attentions to one of the most important part of the story – the characters. For each major character write a one page summary that includes:

  • name
  • storyline – what part will they play in the plot
  • goal – what do they want
  • motivation – why do they want it
  • conflict – what stops them from getting it
  • epiphany – what will they learn or how will they change

End with a one-paragraph summary of the whole storyline for this character. These are working drafts so changing them as you go is normal. Remember, writing a book typically involves extensive planning and revising as part of the process.

Step 4 – Expanding

Now you should expand each of the five sentences you've created for Step 2 into a paragraph. By the time you've completed this you should have a one-page description of your book – it'll still only be the bare bones but it will give you a good idea as to whether the story works or not. If not, you can change it now, before your start writing in earnest.

Step 5 – Back to the characters

Now go back to your characters and write a one-page synopsis for each of them. It's useful to write this from the viewpoint of the character. This will help you get to know your characters, see where their story is going and, ultimately, whether they should be in the story or not.

When creating a writing plan, which of the following should come first

Learn how to write a novel to suit your audience, with our structured novel writing course

Found these tips useful? Then sign up to receive more writing tips and course offers.

When creating a writing plan, which of the following should come first
"My debut novel, Hate To Love You, by Elise Alden (my pen name for contemporary and historical romance), received three offers of publication. I went with Harlequin Carina Press.

"So, thank you Writers Bureau, to which I am extremely grateful. The Novel and Short Story course gave me the tools I needed to write my first novel."

Lizbeth Crawford

When creating a writing plan, which of the following should come first

When creating a writing plan, which of the following should come first


When creating a writing plan, which of the following should come first

When creating a writing plan, which of the following should come first

A business plan documents your objectives and the strategies and structures you have in place for achieving them.

Your business plan should explain how you will manage all the important aspects of your business, from products and services to operational plans and finances.

On this page

Watch our video on why you should write a business plan for your new or current business.

Topics include:

  • why it's important to create and review a business plan
  • the information to include in your business plan
  • using a business plan to achieve your business goals
  • downloading and completing our business plan template.

Transcript of video

Use a business plan to:

  • help you start a new business
  • help you improve the performance of an existing business
  • attract funding for an investment
  • communicate business progress to stakeholders
  • communicate business goals and objectives to internal staff members
  • attract potential buyers for the business.

A business plan is a 'living' document, so it should evolve and change—think of it as an operating guide for your business throughout the start-up, operations and succession phases.

When creating a writing plan, which of the following should come first

Download our free full business plan template and use the guidelines below to write a plan for your business.

There are also other templates available that may better meet your needs—visit business.gov.au.

You should customise your chosen template to suit your business and industry.

We explain below how you can start with a 1-page business plan to ease you into the process of completing the full business plan.

The elements of your business plan will vary depending on:

  • what phase your business is in (starting, running, selling)
  • the industry your business is in
  • how you choose to use the plan (e.g. for internal development purposes).

Every business plan will be different, but they will generally include similar elements. The sections of our business plan template are listed below—use these as a guide when completing it or as a reference when creating your own.

At the start of your business plan, include the following business details:

  • business name
  • date registered
  • owner(s)
  • Australian Business Number (ABN)
  • Australian Company Number (ACN) – if applicable
  • tax file number (TFN)
  • business address
  • contact details
  • website details
  • social media details.

Read about choosing a business structure and getting the right licences and registrations.

This section provides an overview of the business concept. It should be attention-grabbing and succinct—the content will be covered in more detail in future sections.

While this is the first section of the plan, it can often help to write it last after the other sections have been finalised.

This helps to ensure that the executive summary covers all the key information within the plan.

It should define:

  • what your business vision is
  • what your legal structure is
  • what products and services you offer
  • who your customers are
  • what sets you apart from your competitors
  • how you will create a market for your products and services
  • how you will operate
  • what your financial projections are
  • how your business or industry will evolve
  • who owns or manages your business
  • what your short-term and long-term goals are.

Refer to the corresponding sections in our free business plan template:

  • 2.1 Products and services
  • 2.2 Market analysis
  • 2.3 Industry description and outlook
  • 2.4 SWOT analysis

In this section, you should highlight your business products and services and describe what makes them unique, such as their:

  • features
  • benefits
  • limitations
  • cost and sale price.

You can also include details of any plans your business has to introduce new products and services.

Your market analysis should describe your target market (e.g. local, international) and target customers.

Add in the research you have done about your industry and the market trends.

In this section, you will also complete a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats).

Find out more about researching your market:

  • planning and conducting market and customer research
  • market research kit.

Refer to the corresponding sections in our free business plan template:

  • 3.1 Current situation
  • 3.2 Marketing objectives
  • 3.3 Target segments
  • 3.4 Competitor analysis
  • 3.5 Brand positioning
  • 3.6 Marketing programs
  • 3.7 Marketing tactics
  • 3.8 Key actions
  • 3.9 Business controls

A business plan should include a high-level summary of your market research and analysis.

Starting with your current situation, complete your marketing objectives and analysis around your target market and your competitiveness.

Complete your customer and competitor profiles and develop a 1-page brand strategy.

These will help you prepare your marketing plan in section 3 of the template.

Your plan will include marketing tactics and an action plan. You will identify how you will set KPIs and report on your marketing effectiveness.

Learn about:

  • branding your business
  • writing a marketing strategy and plan.

Refer to the corresponding sections in our free business plan template:

  • 4.1 Sales strategies
  • 4.2 Sales analysis and forecast
  • 4.3 Customer management

Explain your sales forecasts and targets in this section, and how you will manage customer records and payments. You should understand what sales strategies will work for you and the best channels to market your products or services.

You will also need to know what your current sales, volume and market share are and what you expect them to be for the next 2 years.

Learn about cash flow, invoices and payments and how to collect and store customer information for help with managing customers.

Regardless of your business or industry, you will need to prepare for operating some of your business online.

Note your digital and customer and data-protection strategies in your business plan. You could also include:

  • the digital tools and resources that will be used in your business
  • the people responsible for overseeing the digital strategy within the business
  • details of any security considerations.

Complete a digital health check and learn how to create a digital strategy for your business.

Refer to the corresponding sections in our free business plan template:

  • 7.1 Location
  • 7.2 Production
  • 7.3 Current performance
  • 7.4 Plant and equipment
  • 7.6 List of major suppliers
  • 7.7 Stock and inventory

This section will cover all you know about how you do things in your business—for example, your standard operating procedures and how to ensure the quality of your products and services.

To better understand your business operations, read about:

Refer to the corresponding sections in our free business plan template:

  • 8.1 Management and key personnel
  • 8.2 Staff
  • 8.3 Training
  • 8.4 Recruitment
  • 8.5 Succession planning

This section helps you note your current workforce structure and plan for the workforce you will have in the future as you grow, and for potentially passing the business to a successor.

Your business plan will detail your business's organisational structure (proposed or actual)—this is often shown as a diagram representing the business hierarchy, different roles within the business and how they relate to one another.

You should also consider succession planning, even if you haven't thought about how you would sell or pass on the business.

Learn about:

Refer to the corresponding sections in our free business plan template:

  • 9.1 Start-up costs
  • 9.2 Profit and loss forecast
  • 9.3 Cash flow forecast
  • 9.4 Balance sheet
  • 9.5 Financial ratios

Your business plan should include your business finance details—there is a separate business finance template you can also complete.

Summarise your key financial details, including:

  • costs for establishing or operating the business
  • sales needed to break even
  • projected cash flow
  • funding arrangements
  • payment plans.

You can assess the financial performance of your business using financial ratios.

  • 10.1 Review and update business goals
  • 10.2 Make a schedule to review your actions

The final section of the business plan should include a set of actions to take before you review your business plan next, and check your progress. This should be over a 6–12 month period, based on the business goals outlined in your plan.

Set a regular review date for the actions and the business plan. Assess which actions have been completed, which remain outstanding and which require updating to help your business plan remain relevant.

Read about skills for running a business to consider ways to improve your time management and leadership.

While not essential, the following can supplement your business plan.

Business vision statement and business values

A comprehensive business vision statement defines what your business does and why it is important.

This could be added in more detail in your business plan and referred to in your executive summary. Find out how to create a business vision.

Business values are the principles, beliefs, and standards of behaviour that guide your business. Including this in your plan will better reflect your goals for the business.

Customer journey strategy

This section could include details of your business's key customer service strategies.

Consider mapping out the intended customer journey—the intended path customers will follow when interacting with your business.

A 1-page business plan can be a good place to start your business planning.

It can cover only high-level information about your business value proposition (i.e. why a customer would want to buy your products and services) and business model.

A one-page plan can include details about:

  • your business vision and values
  • projected income and expenses
  • identified business risks
  • the customer segments you intend to target
  • the value proposition of your business
  • channels that could be used to reach your target customers (e.g. direct or online marketing)
  • your customer service plan
  • how you will receive payment for products and services
  • the activities needed to achieve your outcomes
  • the resources you will need
  • details of any partners you will use to provide goods and services
  • the cost structure for your products and services (based on all items as listed in the plan).

You can search online for tools that can help you create this plan—for example, a value proposition canvas or business model canvas.

Once you are satisfied with this short business plan, you can use it as the basis for your full business plan.

Communicating your business plan to your staff and stakeholders is essential for implementing it and achieving your business goals, even when starting out with a small team.

Some practical tips for communicating the plan include:

  • being mindful of your audience—different communication styles will suit different audiences (e.g. you may be able to communicate more informally with your staff than with your stakeholders, board members or investors)
  • choosing an appropriate format, time and place—you could hold a staff meeting, schedule a business plan review session and invite all staff and stakeholders to attend, or create an online presentation
  • using clear, concise and simple language
  • making time to get feedback from your staff and stakeholders.

Read about skills for running a business for tips on developing your communication skills.

Learn about managing people through change.

Review and update your business plan

You will need to regularly review your business plan to ensure that it is relevant, achievable and up to date with any changes in your business.

Consider reviewing your business plan:

To help you review your own plan, ask yourself the following questions:

  • What will the review schedule be?
  • Is the plan up to date?
  • Have the business goals changed?
  • Is the plan still matched to the business goals?
  • Are market trends changing?
  • Have there been major political, environmental, social or technological changes that affect your business?
  • Have there been significant changes in your finances or need for capital?
  • Is the plan still 'fit for purpose'?

Business planning resources and tools

The following planning resources and tools below can help you compile and update your business plan to ensure your business is on track to meet its goals.

Resources for finding licences, permits and codes of conduct

Use the Business Launchpad to discover all your licensing needs, compiled in your own customised guide.

You can also search for licences, permits and codes of practice using the Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS).

Learn about codes of conduct and codes of practices from:

  • the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
  • Workcover Queensland.

  • Last reviewed: 8 Dec 2022
  • Last updated: 8 Dec 2022