Chapter 4 - Writing clearly: Editing for effective writing

Question 1

What are the 3 steps to the editing process?

Answer 1

1. Review
2. Revise
3. Refine

Question 2

What does the review step entail?

Answer 2

• read the document for content, organization, documentation, style & mechanics
• read forward first to catch obvious errors, then backwards to catch mechanical errors
• read out loud to catch errors
• read to someone else to make sure it makes sense

Question 3

When reviewing, what do you look for in the paper?

Answer 3

1. Content: refer to outline & check to see if all required material is included, get rid of unnecessary material & ensure purpose is met
2. Organization: ensure format is followed, appropriate headings are present and paragraphs are concise
3. Documentation: have sources available & ensure all citations are included
4. Style: depending on reader (formal/informal)
5. Mechanics: look for spelling, punctuation, grammar, complete sentences, typos, etc.

Question 4

What does the revise step entail?

Answer 4

• once errors are noted, revise changes in margins (written not electronic) & use arrows if it is messy & then make changes online

Question 5

What does the refine step entail?

Answer 5

• read doc again to check that all issues are resolved & mechanics is appropriate with changes