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When you edit/revise the rough draft of your essay or research paper, look at your work in four ways: 1) organization, 2) content, 3) documentation, and 4) style/mechanics. Editing takes time; it might take several readings until you can put the stamp of approval on your final draft. Nevertheless, strong editing/revising skills make the difference!
- Did you follow your outline?
- Creating an outline helps in organization.
- Will the reader clearly identify your thesis statement?
- Topic sentences should relate to the thesis development.
- Did you develop your argument or analysis?
- Perhaps you need to reorganize to make sure that your reader sees how you went from the least important point to the most critical piece of your argument or analysis.
- Did you provide supporting details, such as examples, facts, reasons, or statistics?
- The details are the infrastructure of your argument or analysis.
- Did you use any quotations?
- Remember to provide the citation information.
- Don't overuse quotations; it can weaken your analysis.
- Are you leaving out a vital piece of information?
- While you are reading your paper, ask yourself whether your ideas have been clearly and strongly developed.
- Did you follow the rules of the research style format (i.e. APA, MLA, etc.)?
- Make sure to document within the paper and to include a reference page.
- Did you check style and mechanics?
- Use transitional expressions appropriately.
- Try to vary the structure and length of sentences.
- Use active voice versus passive voice.
- Check mechanics, such as comma splice, apostrophe usage, etc.
- Double-check spelling. Spell check can only pick up particular errors. If you are not a good speller, find a friend who is willing to assist.
- Use adjectives and adverbs to describe and add depth to your ideas.
- Look at word usage. Cautionary word: Don't overdo it with the thesaurus - simpler is better!
- What about reading my paper aloud?
- It can help to find errors.
- The Writing Center is an invaluable resource.
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