The document discusses composing the first draft of an essay. It provides tips for writing the first draft, including not taking beginnings too seriously, not criticizing yourself prematurely, prescribing time or pages to focus on the draft, including the thesis in the first paragraph, and letting ideas flow. It also discusses including phrases of emphasis and ensuring the draft is complete and legible. Students are assigned to write the first draft of an essay on "What I Live For" and share it with classmates and the instructor by Tuesday midnight.