EDITING THE ESSAY – this is when you look through what you have written with a critical eye, so you as to make any changes, which you think, will improve your work:
If you have left out any important information
If there are problems with the organization
If there are problems with structure
If there are problems with spelling/punctuation etc.
What is the first stage of editing?
v Once you have produced the first draft of your written work (or a plan and detailed notes), read it carefully so that you can make any necessary changes to your final version. Check particularly that:
Ø It is complete (i.e. you have included all the relevant information and details)
Ø It is coherent (i.e. you have organized the information in the clearest, most logical way)
Ø It is cohesive (i.e. the paragraphs are well-constructed and well-linked together; there is no unnecessary repetition)
Ø The register is appropriate for the type of writing
v Finally, ask yourself if your piece of writing answers all parts of the essay question
What is the polishing stage?
v This is when you look through the final version of your work in order to correct grammar and spelling mistakes and make any other final changes to improve your work
Checklist
Agreement
Do all the verbs agree with the subjects?
Time
Is your use of tenses correct for the context?
· Is your use of tenses consistent (or do you sometimes slip from past to present)?
Articles
· Are definite and indefinite articles used correctly?
Sentence
· Are your sentences compete?
Structure
· Have you used a variety of structures?
Linking
· Are words within sentences and sentences within paragraphs correctly linked?
· Have you overused and and but?
· Could you make more use of linking words and expressions?
Spelling
· Have you made any careless spelling slips?
Punctuation
· Have you used commas, full stops, quotation marks correctly?
Vocabulary
· Have you used the right word for the meaning you intend?
· Have you used more words than necessary to say what you need?
Register
· Is the register consistent throughout?
How effectively does your Essay…
Evaluation
Address the Topic?
1. Does it focus on the assigned topic? 1. _____
2. Does it complete all tasks set forth by the assignment? 2. _____
Organize Its thoughts?
3. Is there an effective introduction? 3. _____
4. Are the paragraphs logically arranged? 4. _____
5. does each paragraph focus on one main ides? 5. _____
6. Are there smooth transitions between paragraphs? 6. _____
7. Is there an effective closing? 7. _____
Support Its Points?
8. Are there sufficient specific details to the issue? 8. _____
9. Are the examples given relevant to the issue? 9. _____