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Mr. DeJong’s Eng121
Berthoud High School
The goal of this handout is to provide you an idea of the difference between editing and
revising, as well provide you some components to consider during both processes.
Editing & Revision: Some General Things to
Be Thinking About
Difference between “editing” and “revising”
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There is a difference between revising your paper and editing your paper, but it's not always an
easy distinction to understand.
You should proofread your paper to edit mistakes such as spelling errors, punctuation
mistakes, common word mix-ups, and other mechanical problems.
While the editing process targets grammar problems, the revision process should focus on
readability, logic, and clarity.
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.
The Revision Process
General review strategies:
1. Revising takes practice:
Try reviewing with a limited agenda, for example with focus on vocabulary,
and build from there.
2. Read the paper out loud to yourself.
Read it slowly. How does it "sound?"
3. Cover the text with a blank paper,
and lower it down as you read for a line by line analysis.
 Does the text flow in an effective manner?
 Is it too long for what you wish to say? Too short?
 Keep in mind your audience: they do not know what you do. They rely on what information
you give them, in the order you give it to them.
Title
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Does the title briefly describe and reflect the purpose of the paper?
If there are headings and sub-headings, are these similarly brief and concise?
Introductory paragraph/introduction
Get a good start!
 Capture attention at the beginning or you may lose your audience.
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An introduction should present the purpose in an inviting way.
Is your first sentence interesting and inviting?
Does your first paragraph predict the development of the piece?
Does it clearly introduce the subject, project, or idea to be developed?
Supporting paragraphs
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Does each paragraph build the argument or story? Did you follow a plan or outline?
Is each paragraph in an effective or logical order?
Is your train of thought, or that of the "characters," clear?
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Do your transitions between paragraphs work?
Are relationships between paragraphs clear?
Can any paragraphs be eliminated as unnecessary, or combined with others more
effectively?
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Does each sentence support only the topic sentence of that paragraph?
Can any sentences be eliminated as unnecessary,
or combined with others more effectively?
If there are side-stories or digressions,
are their purposes clear in the context of the whole?
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Conclusion
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Does the conclusion summarize and clarify important information
and resolve the thesis statement?
Does the conclusion leave the reader thinking?
Is it supported by the paper?
Areas of focus:
It could be that you have a troublesome area, or want to make your writing more effective.
Here are some areas of focus:
Sentences and phrases:
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Sentences should be clear and logical, even short and to the point.
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Sentences should flow consistently, except in places you wish to stop the reader for
emphasis.
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Is the tone consistent throughout the paragraph?
Do subordinate ideas find their right place?
(Keep on guard for dangling modifiers and avoid sentence fragments.)
Prepositional phrases can modify nouns and verbs.
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Words such as in, with, out, by, at are prepositions and create phrases such as:
in its place... with honors... out in the yard... by the side of the road... at a place called
home... throughout the paragraph...
Avoid too many in one sentence, and make sure they are in their right place, near their
subject/object or verb. Don't let them wander in the sentence, or dangle.
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Strive for consistency with parallel forms:
Pay attention to conjunctions
(and, or, not only...but also, either... or, neither...nor, both...and)
The "big picture": as you review
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Audience:
Can someone unfamiliar with your subject understand
both the vocabulary/concepts and your main points?
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Authors:
Have you accurately represented the points of view and major findings
of the authors of your research?
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Subject matter:
Have you adequately addressed the diversity of arguments
relating to the main thesis of your study?
Are these presented in a neutral or unbiased presentation?
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Conclusions:
Are the points of view and conclusions clear that they are your own?
Do they reference and build on the arguments developed in the body of your paper?
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Further study:
Are there recommendations for further research and applications?
Vocabulary:
With each piece of writing you establish a vocabulary that is used throughout.
Set aside your writing, list its key words, and return to your writing
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Is there any word that lacks definition or context?
Are there any words that are emotionally-charged? If so, are they used effectively for
stress?
Position important words where they are more effective (at the end or beginning of
sentences/paragraphs)
Develop and use an active, descriptive vocabulary; avoid the overuse of pronouns
(it,they, we, their, etc.);
Reflect on important vocabulary: anticipate reactions of your audience
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Reserve the use of emotional words to create effects. What words can be strengthened to
be clearer or stronger?
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What words can be simplified to be clearer or stronger?
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Do you over-use any words? Would synonyms add interest?
Colloquialisms are informal expressions that imitate speech.
Their use may not be clear of effective in your writing since they are so familiar, and may tend
toward predictability.
Adapted from Joe Landsberger’s “Study Guides and Strategies”