A rough draft is an initial version or first attempt at writing a piece of work. It is called a "draft" because it is a preliminary, unfinished version that requires further refinement and editing before being considered complete. The term "rough" indicates that the text may contain errors, inconsistencies, or incomplete ideas, as the writer is still working out the kinks in their writing process. A rough draft serves as a foundation upon which the author can build and improve their work until it reaches its final form.