Elements of Peer Conferencing Revision, Editing, Proofreading

Elements of Elements of Peer ConferencingPeer Conferencing

Elements of Elements of Peer ConferencingPeer Conferencing

Revision, Editing, ProofreadingRevision, Editing, Proofreading

RevisionAddresses large-scale issues like:• General focus• Purpose• Content• Audience• Organization

EditingAddresses smaller-scale issues like:• Word choice• Style• Tone• Effectiveness of essay’s transition

Proofreading

Concerns the appearance of a document. Check for:

• Errors in punctuation• Spelling• Usage• Typos and errors in formatting

A Plan for Revision

There are two keys to revision:

First

Try to see your project through another reader’s eyes.

Second

Give yourself enough time to decide on the changes you want to make, and then make them.

Don’t be concerned with editing or proofreading.

Think about the whole piece of writing.

Reading for RevisionTo revise effectively. Imagine you

are someone who is:

• Uninformed about the topic or• Informed but hold a different

viewpoint

Reading for Revision

Read the draft aloud and make note of any parts that need to be addressed.

Consider the questions on the handout.

Making the RevisionsConsider:• Do I need more info from the

library?• Do I need to think of more reasons

and details?• Do I need to rearrange paragraphs?• Etc.

EditingRead Draft Aloud• Mark those places that are

confusing, hard to read, awkward or choppy

• Mark punctuation and spelling errors

Editing• Underline all transitional words

and phrases

• Are there places that need stronger transitions?

Editing• Mark any wordy phrases or

sentences• Look for: run-ons, fragments,

dangling modifiers, vague pronouns• Do sentences starting with “it is”

and “there are” require stronger, active verb?

Editing• Re-read intro and conclusion• Is opening interesting and

effectively introduce the project?• Does the ending pull the paper

together and leave the audience satisfied?

ProofreadingSpelling, mechanics, and formatting

don’t affect the quality of your argument, but they do affect your credibility.

ProofreadingSpell Check is great but not perfect.

It won’t catch words like “to”, “too” and “two”

Proofreading• Print a copy of your draft and read

through carefully.

• You will catch many errors by reading aloud.

Proofreading• Use your peers as a second and

third set of eyes.

• These eyes are fresher and will catch errors you keep skipping over.

Proofreading

Make sure the draft is correctly formatted according to the assignment instructions.

Closing ThoughtsDon’t be afraid to tell your peer if

something doesn’t work. Constructive criticism will help them develop a worthwhile paper. You’ll want a peer to help you make your paper the best it can be so return the favor.

Credits• Substantial Writing Component

Resource Office at the University of Texas at Austin