Lesson
Six: Editing and Revising
Introduction
"If
one thing could be perfect, it should be the essay."
- Admissions Officer
Writing
is not a one-time act. Writing is a process. Memorable writing
comes more from rewriting than it does from the first draft.
By rewriting you will improve your essay -- guaranteed.
If you skimp on the rewriting process, you significantly
reduce the chances that your essay will be as good as it
could be.
Once
you have taken a break from your essay, come back and read
it through one time with a fresh perspective. Analyze it
as objectively as possible based on the following three
components: substance, structure, and interest. Do not worry
yet about surface errors and spelling mistakes; focus instead
on the larger issues. Consider reordering your supporting
details, delete irrelevant sections, and make clear the
broader implications of your experiences. Allow your more
important arguments to come to the foreground. Take points
that might only be implicit and make them explicit.
In order
to figure out where revisions are necessary, you are going
to need as many different sets of eyes to read your essay
as possible. Whether it is you or one of your friends, family
members or teachers, these questions will help guide your
revision process.
Select One:
For
inspiration, click
here to see a collection of EssayEdge’s sample edits.
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EssayEdge
Extra: To Title or Not to Title?
Some
essayists decide to add a title to their essay,
although most do not. Titles are definitely not
required, and if you are wondering whether or
not to add one to yours, remember the old adage:
when in doubt, leave it out.
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,
by Amy Burnham, Daniel Kaufman, and Chris Dowhan.
Copyright 1998 by Dan Kaufman. Reprinted by
arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.
