Revision
The casual approach to revision goes like this: once you have a solid
draft, you read through repeatedly, improving the paper with whatever
words happen to come to mind.
The methodical approach goes like this: you read through the draft and,
at every section, page, paragraph, sentence or word, ask yourself a single
question: “Is that good enough?”
“Good enough” happens when the words and ideas advance the paper’s
purpose as effectively as possible. If portions remain unclear, unmotivating
or un-whatever the paper attempts to accomplish, then those portions
require revision.
» Does the paper tell a story? Then revision makes sure that key points
and images are described fully and that the pace keeps readers’ attention.
» Does the paper persuade and motivate? Then revision makes sure
readers understand and care enough to remember and take action.
» Does the paper inform? Then revision makes sure all essential points
are included and explained clearly and completely.
» Does the paper hope to earn a good grade? Then revision makes sure
that whatever the instructor has asked for shows in the writing.
If the answer is “Yes, it’s good enough,” then move on. You can always
change your mind later. If the answer is “No,” revision offers seven choices
for how to proceed:
1. Develop the writing until it becomes strong. Add explanations,
abstractions, examples, evidence, quotes, statistics, illustrations, fiftydollar
bills stapled to the page or whatever it takes to make it good
enough.
2. Revise, restate, clarify, or otherwise change the weak portion.
3. Rewrite when unsure about how to fix something. Start that
paragraph or point over and see if it comes out better then second
time around.
4. Resizing involves adjusting the paper’s overall focus. Does it need to
cover more or less material?
5. Reduce unnecessary details or tangents that detract from the
key points until you’re left with only the pertinent and interesting
information that directly contributes to the paper’s purpose.
Sometimes this means deleting entire paragraphs or sections. Before
deleting, however, be sure that removing the section in question
doesn’t leave another part of the paper vulnerable and undefined. A
good idea when deleting parts of your paper is to cut and paste it to
the end, just in case you want to use part of it later. Do not obsess on
the assignment’s page requirement at the expense of effective writing!
The Point:
The brunt of the
writing process
should occur as
revision.
Revision provides
seven ways to turn
weak spots into
pools of clarity,
power, persuasion,
etc.:
1. Develop
2. Revise
3. Rewrite
4. Resize
5. Reduce
6. Remove
7. Relocate
All this
revision
stuff
sounds really obvious,
but when I go to
apply it to my own
paper - I go blind!
So it’s a good thing I
can refer back to the
seven options and
decide how to fix it.
The “good enough”
question really helps,
too.
Point
of View
The Writing Process 25
N
Do not act like one of those lazy students who will do anything to keep from
deleting a paragraph even when they know darn well that it’s long, boring,
pointless, random, or otherwise weak and worthy of deletion. Instead, be
the courageous, wise student who does what it takes to write effectively -
which will probably save time and effort in the long run anyway.
6. Remove unnecessary or awkward words, sentences, paragraphs, points or
any hopelessly lame and impossible-to-fix portions of writing. Rewrite them
later if necessary, but don’t waste too much time trying to repair something
that doesn’t advance your overall purpose.
7. Relocate the weak part to another spot in the paper where it fits better and
can be developed or shortened appropriately. A quick glance at your outline
should point out an appropriate place.
Danger!!!
If you did not create an outline during the prewriting stage, go back and do
it now! Clear organization magically reveals which ideas need more (or less)
development. Revision without clear organization is problematic at best, and
87% OF WRITER’S BLOCK IS CAUSED BY POOR ORGANIZATION7 (or total lack
thereof). Don’t risk it.
Note: bribing your professor can get you in trouble. That part was a joke.
Never staple money to your paper.
Revision should not be mistaken for the fourth step of the writing process,
editing. Editing only consists of the final cleanup of a paper - fixing typos and
other surface concerns.
How can you know which words or paragraphs or ideas don’t yet qualify as
“good enough”? Check for clarity, development, and whatever skills you learn
in class. Later in this chapter and throughout the text, you’ll learn about specific
attributes to watch for and how to get good feedback from classmates and
others.