Revising
Revising is not the same as editing. When you edit, you mainly check for errors in conventions. When you revise, you check how you have presented your ideas. You make changes, deletions, and additions. When it is time to revise a piece of writing, follow these guidelines to ensure you carefully at each area of writing.
Composing
The paper has a clear purpose or makes a point.
Each paragraph relates to the paper's main idea.
Each paragraph contains clear, relevant details and examples in every that
develop and support the main idea.
The writer sticks to the main idea and leaves out details that do not matter.
The paper covers enough information to cover the subject.
The title, if there is one, relates to the main idea of the paper and
"hooks" the reader.
Unity
or Organization
The lead grabs the reader's attention, making the reader want to read more.
It also gives a sense of the main idea.
The organizational pattern makes sense. It is easy for the reader to
follow along.
There are no gaps where something seems to be missing.
Each paragraph talks about only one idea.
The ideas are linked together with smooth transitions.
The conclusion ties everything together with a final point or summary.
The reader isn't left "hanging."
Written
Expression or Voice
The paper sounds different from everyone else's. It's unique.
The paper sounds like the writer.
The writing shows how the writer feels and thinks about the topic.
The paper has personality.
The paper is convincing, not "fake."
The paper is fun to read.
The paper is lively, or exciting in some way.
Word
Choice
The words paint a picture in the reader's mind.
There aren't any words that are repeated too often.
The language is natural, not overdone.
The writer used strong action verbs to add drama to the paper.
The writer has used specific nouns to identify people, places, and objects.
The writer has used descriptive adjectives to help create a mental picture for
the reader.
The writer has used similes and metaphors to explain anything unusual to the
reader.
The writer has avoided vague, boring, overused words as well as slang.
He/She has tried something new.
Sentence
Fluency
Each sentence is a complete thought that makes sense. No words have been
left out.
There are no sentence fragments.
Not all of the sentences are the same length.
Not all of the sentences begin the same way.
The paper is smooth and easy to read.
Usage
and Mechanics
The paper isn't one or two huge paragraphs. Each new idea has its own
paragraph, which is indented.
Similar ideas are in the same paragraph so there aren't too many paragraphs.
There are no spelling errors.
Capitalization is used correctly.
Sentences are punctuated correctly.
There are no grammatical errors. The reader doesn't have to stop reading
to mentally correct mistakes in the paper.