Revision Tips

Revision and editing are important stages in the writing process. Both improve writing and make it clearer and more effective. It is best to have other people help with these steps, but writers can also do much of the work themselves. Remember that good revision and editing can take several hours to a few days.

Revision

Revision includes three major categories: content, organization, and style. During this stage, ignore grammar and usage mistakes. Make major changes; it is a waste of time to correct grammar and usage before revision. Be willing to admit when a section needs to be rewritten. Rather than agonize over how to keep what is written, save time by rewriting.

Content

Reread the directions. Were they followed? If not, what needs to be fixed?
Does the paper have a clear thesis? Does the thesis reflect the paper? If not, how can it be fixed? Read each paragraph and identify its major claim.
Are there adequate facts, logic, and/or other data? Has the evidence been explained and interpreted? Consider the following activity:
- Using four highlighters, highlight all direct quotes, paraphrases, summaries, and parenthetical citations in a different color.
- Look back at the paper. How much text is uncolored? If there is too much white (the writer’s own words, ideas, and explanations), the paper may have too little evidence. If there is very little white, there are not enough of the writer’s thoughts in the paper.
- Look at the number of direct quotes. Direct quotes should be used only if the original says something in a unique way. If there are too many quotes, change some to paraphrases or summaries.
- Look at each direct quote, summary, and paraphrase. They should all have parenthetical citations. If not, add them.

Organization

Individual Paragraphs

Underline the topic sentence of each paragraph and write a paraphrase of it in the margin of the paper.
Starting with the first body paragraph, read the margin notes and then read the paragraph one sentence at a time. Does each sentence relate to the topic sentence? If not, move or delete it.

Entire Paper

Underline the topic sentence of each paragraph and write a paraphrase in the margin.
Read through the margin ideas. Are they in the same order as the thesis implies? Do the ideas have a logical organization (chronological, causal, etc.)? Move paragraphs if necessary.
If the paper is disorganized, use different highlighters to color each main idea and then reorganize by color. Sometimes scissors and tape also work.

Transitions

Transitions connect ideas in the paper, inside and between paragraphs, so readers can follow the argument more easily (first, second, then, next, also, however, in addition, etc.). Underline all transitions and decide if they need improvement. See pages 35–39 in A Writer’s Reference for more ideas.

Introduction and Conclusion

Read your introduction and conclusion. Do they reflect the paper? Are they interesting and effective?

Style

Diction: The two types of diction are formal and informal. Most college-level papers require formal diction, similar to textbook writing rather than journal entries.
Tone: The attitude the paper communicates (angry, sarcastic, professional, etc.). Make sure the tone is appropriate for the audience.
Fair language: Use politically correct terms when referring to groups, ethnicities, genders, and identities.
Word choice: Use words appropriately and beware of their connotations. If you are unsure of a word’s meaning, look it up.
Redundancy: Avoid repeating words or phrases unnecessarily (for example, “and also” or “a pair of two”). Reading aloud helps identify repetition.
Avoid clichés, slang, and unnecessary words, as these can confuse readers and sound unprofessional.

Editing

During editing, the goal is to correct language rather than content or organization. Always edit after revision, because writers should not be making major changes at this stage. The most important thing to do during editing is to read out loud. Hearing the paper helps catch mistakes that are easily missed.

Starting with the last sentence of the conclusion and working toward the introduction, read one sentence at a time out loud. This forces the writer to focus on language instead of content.
Be prepared to rewrite awkward sentences instead of simply fixing them.
Ask others to read over the paper to help catch mistakes.

Sentence Structure

Run-ons: These are long sentences that need punctuation. If you cannot read a sentence out loud without taking a breath, it may be a run-on.
Fragments: These are incomplete sentences. All sentences should have a subject and a verb.

Spelling and Punctuation

Run spell check and use a dictionary for unfamiliar words.
Review rules for quotation marks, commas, capitalization, numbers, and other mechanics.
Have several people help edit your draft.

Format

Follow the assigned citation style guide for page numbers, spacing, and referencing sources.