The Editing Process

Cartoon involving editing. Full text available below image.

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Title: Nuns

Nun 1 - This illuminatede manuscripte of the Gospels has takene me eight years, sister.

Nun 2 - Very goode sister.

Nun 2, while pointing at the manuscript - Aren't there two Ts in 'Matthew'?

Both nuns looking,

Nun 1 - I think not, sister

Nun 2 - Very goode sister

Cartoon by Emilys Cartoons

It is once again time to edit our work. By repeatedly taking a critical eye to our work we are able to fix any errors and make all necessary changes before the point of no return!

Part of the editing process is to review spelling and grammar, but a large part of it is also to look at word choice. View the following Scribbr video for more information on how to use transitional words and phrases effectively in your work.

Here are some common transitional phrases you can use.

Common Transitional Phrases infographic. Full text available below image

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Example - for example, for instance, such as, including, illustrates, as shown by, as an example, a specific case

Compare - Similarly, just as, equally, likewise

Contrast - On the other hand, in contrast, although, even though, however, despite, nevertheless, whereas

Addition - In addition, additionally, moreover, along with, as well, also, furthermore, not only...but also

Cause and Effect - Because, as a result, due to, consequently, so, since

Conclusion - Therefore, as a result, thus, overall. ultimately, given...

Lastly, this handout of common formal phrases found in academic writing will help you find your academic voice and create convincing arguments for your audience.

You should also revisit these guidelines from Performance Task 1. We will utilize peer and self edits for Performance Task 2.

Peer Reviews

Your instructor will assign your paper to a classmate and give you a paper to review. In order to get the most out of the process, you need to pass along a mostly or fully finished draft.

Follow the peer review guidelines (given to you when the review is assigned) and provide constructive feedback. Think about what you would want to know if it was your paper. Not everything will need improvement, so if a particular section is well done, be sure to also say that.

When you get your review back, read through it carefully. Make any changes you would like to make. You are not required to make the suggested changes, but you should definitely review them and carefully consider the advice given.

Having a fresh set of eyes on your paper can help you see areas you’d like to improve, the ones you nailed, and let’s you see if everything is as clear as you think it is. Remember, you have been living with this research for a while. Your mind may fill in the blanks automatically. Having another person read it lets you know for sure that what you THINK is there is ACTUALLY there.

Self-edits

Along with sending out your essay for a review, you will be asked to evaluate it both formally (officially for a grade) and informally (not a grade but a vital part of the process). This is crucial. Much as your research process is a constant movement of evaluating, reevaluating, and following the information, your writing process is the same. As you write, you determine what works and what doesn’t. You may need to find better pieces of research to prove your argument or you may need to whittle down what you have to make your argument more effective. Your writing should be in a constant state of work and improvement.

Hearing Your Words Aloud

Before you decide the paper is finished, read it out loud. Reading it forces us to see what is and isn’t there. It also helps to determine if your sentence structure makes sense. If you stumble in a section, make a note of it to go back and revise. Find a section that sounds great out loud? Could be something you should incorporate into your presentation.

[CC BY-NC-SA 4.0] UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED | IMAGES: LICENSED AND USED ACCORDING TO TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION - INTENDED ONLY FOR USE WITHIN THE LESSON.

TRANSITIONAL WORDS EXAMPLE INFOGRAPHIC COURTESY OF MS. PEER REVIEW

HOW TO USE TRANSITIONAL WORDS AND PHRASES VIDEO COURTESY OF SCRIBBR.