". . . you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot. There's no way around these two things . . . ." ~ Stephen King

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Proofreading, Editing and Revising

Proofread your paper for spelling errors, punctuation mistakes, common word mix-ups, and other mechanical problems.

Editing targets grammar problems, poorly worded or misleading sentences and phrases, and removing unnecessary words. 

Revising concerns readability, logic, and clarity. Revision is rewriting in order to improve the flow of the piece, fill in gaps in logic, and provide better support to the thesis statement. Revision adds concrete or specific examples, details, or facts rather than generalities.

When you revise a paper, the first step is to read the paper to see if it flows from one topic to another in a sensible manner. You examine the paper to determine if the organization is logical, if the paper fits the actual assignment, or if you veered off-topic at any point. During the revision process, you will find yourself rewriting paragraphs to make them sound better and to make sure they support the claims you made in the thesis statement.

Revision and editing are best done after writing your work and then letting it sit for a day or two. Your mind will still continue working on the project even when you're not involved with it. Leaving it alone will allow you to see it fresh when you return, and make it obvious whether or not it makes sense and has the meaning you intended at the time you wrote it.

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