Transcript
  • The Writing Process: Revising, Editing and ProofreadingStudent Development ServicesWriting Support CentreUCC 210www.sds.uwo.ca/writing

  • OutlineAn Editors MindsetRevisingEditing Proofreading

  • An Editors MindsetEssential component of the writing processSimilar to, yet different from, draftingSame goalsUsually a different processPolishing rather than creatingDepends if editing for yourself or a peer

  • Self Editing IssuesGive yourself some space......But not too muchLearn your tendenciesWhat are your goals?

  • Peer Editing IssuesDegree of help neededAmount of time before submissionBalance criticisms with compliments

  • Procuring Peer EditorsWriters need readersGood editors are worth their weight in goldDont abuse them; give them your best work

  • Layers of Effective Writing4- Content3- Organization2- Style1- AppearanceRewritingRevisingEditingProofreading

  • Revising For OrganizationMoving around and adding/removing major pieces of textMost important aspectHard, but rewarding

  • 1: Elements of the TextThesis Statement/Hypothesis/ObjectivesIntroduction/ConclusionTopic Sentences

  • 2: Logical FlowLinear process: A B C DDoes the content build on itself?

  • 3: Discipline-Specific ConventionsRules that are not to be violatedE.g. No results in methods, discussion in results (Sciences)

  • 4: Audience AppropriatenessWill the content be clear for the intended audience?

  • Revising YourselfA detached perspective is essentialGet to the essence of the text

  • Revising PeersKeep a safe distanceAsk specific questions, dont rewrite

  • Procuring PeersWithin-discipline peers are most helpfulOutside-discipline peers may need help

  • Editing for StyleMicro-logical aspects of the textIs this readable?What style is appropriate?Do the sentences flow?

  • ClarityIf it can be misinterpreted, it is wrongMake changes to vague, absolute, misleading, and commonly misinterpreted words

  • ConcisenessIf words or phrases can be removed while maintaining meaning, do itChange passive voice, negative form

  • General Editing TipsRead aloudHard copy vs. ElectronicTracking changes

  • Tracking Changes

  • Editing YourselfAgain, time and space is essentialLearn your tendencies

  • Editing Your PeersEdit, dont rewriteKeep the spirit, just play with the words

  • Procuring Peer EditorsWithin discipline: Help with discipline-specific terminologyOutside of discipline: Wont get distracted by content

  • Proofreading for AppearanceGrammar, spelling, formattingSpellcheck and grammar check are not enoughRead each word and sentence carefullyUsually the last step

  • Proofreading YourselfBest results when restedLearn your common mistakesLast thing you do before handing in or submitting

  • Proofreading Your PeersOnly if other aspects are cleanPoint out repeated mistakesCan feel like piling on

  • Procuring Proofreading PeersWithin-Discipline: Can be a wasteOutside-Discipline: Anal retentive friendsEssential for ESL students

  • General Proofreading TipsRead aloudRead backwardsWatch every comma (and other punctuation)Hard copy vs. Electronic

  • Final NotesTake a break in the middleReview multiple draftsBe nice to your editors