Revising, Editing, and CitationTips
(Adapted from articles on revision and editing by Richard Nordquist)
Revision Checklist (big picture)
1. Does the paper have a clear and concise main idea? Is this idea made clear to the reader (thesis statement) early in the paper (usually in the introduction)?
2. Does the paper have a specific purpose (such as to inform, entertain, evaluate, or persuade Have you made this purpose clear to the reader?
3. Does the introduction create interest in the topic and make your audience want to read on?
4. Is there a clear plan and sense of organization? Does each paragraph develop logically from the previous?
5. Is each paragraph clearly related to the main idea of the essay? Is there enough information in the essay to support the main idea?
6. Is the main point of each paragraph clear? Is each point adequately and clearly defined and supported with specific details?
7. Are there clear transitions from one paragraph to the next? Have key words and ideas been given proper emphasis in the sentences and paragraphs?
8. Are the sentences clear and direct? Can they be understood on the first reading? Are the sentences varied in length and structure?
9. Are the words clear and precise? Does the paper maintain a consistent tone?
10. Does it have an effective conclusion--one that emphasizes the main idea and provides a sense of completeness?
Editing paragraphs (one notch down)
1. Is each sentence clear and complete?
2. Can any short, choppy sentences be improved by combining them?
3. Can any long, awkward sentences be improved by breaking them down into shorter units?
4. Can any wordy sentences be made concise?
5. Can any run-on sentences be more effectively coordinated or subordinated?
6. Does each verb agree with its subject?
7. Are all verb forms correct and consistent?
8. Do pronouns refer clearly to the appropriate nouns?
9. Do all modifying words and phrases refer clearly to the words they are intended to modify?
10. Is each word in the essay appropriate and effective?
11. Is each word spelled correctly?
12. Is the punctuation correct?
Citations
1. You must create citations (parenthetical, endnote, or footnote) in these circumstances
a. When you quote two or more words verbatim, if used in a way that is unique to the source.
b. When you introduce facts that you have found in a source.
c. When you paraphrase or summarize ideas, interpretations, or conclusions that you find in a source.
d. When you introduce information that is not common knowledge or that may be considered common knowledge in your field, but the reader may not know it.
2. You must create a Bibliography of all works cited in your text plus uncited works you used in researching or thinking about your topic.
3. Citation Resources:
a. Info. vis a vis Citations:
https://guides.lib.unc.edu/citing-information/introduction
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/resources.html
b. good Citation generators:
https://library.unc.edu/citationbuilder/.
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/resources.html