Revising and Editing Narratives

Learning Targets

• Revise writing to improve clarity and impact.

• Edit writing to correct errors.

Revision vs. Editing

• Revising: Improving ideas communicated.

• Editing: Correcting grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

Example Narrative: Problems

• Overuse of "I" in sentences.

• Lack of descriptive detail.

• Absence of sensory details (sounds, sights, smells, touch).

• No emotion or character personality; flat writing.

• Vague setting.

• Boring and repetitive sentences.

• Weak hook; doesn't engage the reader.

Revised Example: Improvements

• Incorporates sensory details: "sound of rain tapping," "dull gray light."

• Shows character's feelings and reactions: "considered pretending to be sick."

• Uses stronger verbs and descriptions: "jolted awake," "hissed to a stop."

• Creates intrigue: "a glowing green light."

Key Revision Focus Areas

• Character: Add details about their appearance, actions, and thoughts.

• Setting: Use sensory details to describe the environment.

• Plot: Ensure the climax is clear and dramatic.

• Sentences: Vary sentence beginnings.

• Paragraphs: Indent at the beginning of new paragraphs

Editing Checklist

• Grammar and capitalization.

• Capitalize names and the word "I".

• Dialogue: Indent when a new person speaks.

Revision and Editing Process

• Finish the essay.

• Edit on paper first.

• Then, input the edits on the computer.

• Turn in paper edits with the prewrite.

• Listen to the paper being read.