Post-Writing Strategies Notes

Using Post-Writing Strategies

Key Objectives
  • Critically review your draft for content, organization, and mechanics.
  • Implement techniques like revising, editing, and proofreading to enhance the quality of writing.
Quote
  • "All writing is rewriting." - Donald Murray

Defining Revision and Editing

Revision
  • Definition: A process that involves going through the entire draft to improve clarity and meaning.
  • Key Actions:
    • Adding, removing, or rearranging content.
    • Polishing sections of text for better understanding.
    • Resolving significant content issues.
Editing
  • Definition: A meticulous process focused on refining every word and line.
  • Key Areas of Focus:
    • Grammar: Ensure subject-verb agreement, correct verb tense, and proper pronoun usage.
    • Mechanics: Check sentence transitions, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization.
  • Difference:
    • Revision is about the big picture and overall structure while editing is about the fine details.

Steps in Revising Your Draft

Simplified in Two Steps:

  1. Bird’s Eye View of the Draft:

    • Read the draft as a whole.
    • Evaluate if the writing purpose is accomplished.
    • Assess if tone and language are effective.
    • Questions to Consider:
      • Did the draft achieve the writing purpose?
      • Was the language simple and descriptive enough?
      • Did the tone evoke the desired effect (e.g., nationalism)?

  2. Portion by Portion Review:

    • Analyze smaller sections for flow and content organization.
    • Ensure sections relate well and transition smoothly between ideas.
    • Consider the structure:
      • Opening (hook and interest)
      • Conclusion (lasting impression, no lingering questions)
Additional Factors to Consider
  • Form: Use the appropriate form (e.g., descriptive essay for describing a place).
  • Pace: Maintain an engaging pace; fast enough to hold attention, yet allowing time for comprehension.
  • Proportion:
    • Trim unnecessary details.
    • Expand on sections that need more information.

Essay Revision Checklist

  • Refer to pages 87-88 of the relevant book for a comprehensive checklist for revising essays.

Steps in Editing Your Draft

Final Stage of the Writing Process
  • Editing involves reviewing the draft line by line and word by word, focusing on:
    • Grammar, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.
  • Purpose of Editing:
    • Finalize preparation before presenting it to readers.
    • Spot errors through thorough rereadings.
  • Important Note: Avoid editing before the revision stage.
Common Editing Symbols
  • Refer to pages 90-91 of the relevant book for commonly used editing symbols to denote specific changes.
Conclusion
  • Effective writing requires both revision and editing to ensure clarity, coherence, and correctness.
  • Utilize the outlined strategies and checklist for a polished final draft.