A Guide To Revision Prof. Karin Falcone 2010

Re-vision From the Latin: literally: “To See Again”

Revision is Not… A mere proofreading, though a second or third proofread should happen It is not a rewrite: do not start over or change topics

Global Revisions: Structure, Outline, Logic of thought Move from general to specific Consider: Structured Body paragraphs Audience and purpose Reading based writing

Always revise… Intro and conclusion Intro weak? Replace it with conclusion (cut and paste) Assertive tone and clarity. Conclusion repetitive? Reveal discoveries made during the process: findings, solutions, questions for further research Write title last

Why Revise All writers revise. As a working journalist and as a poet, I usually end up revising 4 times. Revisions received within one week of return conference may receive up to one full letter grade higher Attach new version to original marked up draft and peer reviews with new date

Proofreading Know what errors you usually make Use the proofreader’s marks guide Go to the writing center Eliminate “you” and “a lot”: the whole tone of the piece will be more college appropriate Eliminate wordiness and slang. Use dictionary: replace imprecise vocabulary

Citation errors The worst citation errors are plagiarism “More than Three” rule Cite any and all words or ideas Correct in-text citaions: URLS are not enough and they are no longer part of MLA citations at all Use Handbook: Google Purdue OWL: even prof’s look these rules up

Other tools Backwards outline Flash Drive Ready Too short?: Return to prewriting tools: 6 Reporter’s questions, free write, brainstorm, cluster, key words Creativity Discipline The process is all!