Revision Tips

  • Take some time before you read the paper again.
  • We can sometimes become so involved with the paper that we cannot criticize it well. This may take a day or two, or even just a few hours for some.
  • Set a few goals and prepare to take notes while you read.
  • Maybe you want to know if your paragraphs are proving your thesis, if your transitions sound good, and if your conclusion summarizes your paper well.
  • Maybe you are concerned with topic sentences, analysis, and citations.
  • Maybe you just want to know if the writing is clear and comprehensive.

Read the paper aloud.

  • Reading aloud can be the best way to hear if your ideas are connecting and if your language sounds clear.
  • Take notes on what you did well. Always try to find something.
  • Do not be afraid to take notes on what you do well. That is your chance to think about why your writing succeeded there. Learn about your own strengths and how to use them more often.
  • Always use feedback if you have it.
  • Your instructors and peers gave those comments for a reason. Those comments are your chance to make sure that your paper is understood by your readers.
  • Be honest.
  • Focus on constructively criticizing yourself. It gives you something to build on. If you are not willing to criticize yourself, then you will have a much harder time growing as a writer.
  • Check the thesis.
  • Does your thesis work with the paragraphs and the conclusion? It is normal for a thesis statement to change a few times when writing and revising.
  • Evaluate your research and analysis.
  • Are your sources helping your argument? Are they cited correctly? Did you analyze them for the reader?

Do not be afraid to lose some of your paper. It happens!

  • Remind yourself that it is normal to erase some writing during revision. It can be really upsetting, but you did not fail! Sometimes, that whole page that you erased was the brainstorming that gets you to the great ideas.
  • Reverse outline.

○ (see "Outlines" handout)