Ms. Sue,
What kind of strategies can I use to revise my paper?
The best strategy is to let it sit over night. Then, the next day, reread it carefully -- perhaps read it aloud. Does each sentence make sense? Are there grammatical errors? Do you need to change some sentences around? Do you need to eliminate something -- or add to it?
My longtime companion was an author who had eight books published. He was also a meticulous editor. He would let his manuscript sit for a few days, then go back and revise. He always had at least three drafts, and sometimes as many as five drafts until he was satisfied that it said exactly what he wanted.
Ms. Sue,
How do I know when to accept feedback from another source?
You should accept feedback from any source. BUT -- only change your paper if you understand the criticisms and agree with them. If in doubt, seek another source for further feedback. If your feedback comes from a teacher or other expert, take the criticism to heart because this person probably has more experience and knowledge than you do.
To revise your paper effectively, you can use several strategies. Here are some suggestions:
1. Take a break: Step away from your paper for a while, allowing your mind to rest and gain a fresh perspective. This will help you approach the revision process with a clear mind.
2. Read through your paper: Start by reading through your paper from beginning to end. Make note of areas that seem confusing, weak, or in need of improvement.
3. Check the overall structure: Evaluate the organization and flow of your paper. Ensure that your ideas progress logically and that each paragraph contributes to the main argument or thesis statement.
4. Review your introduction and conclusion: Ensure that your introduction grabs the reader's attention, presents a clear thesis statement, and provides an overview of what the paper will cover. Similarly, check that your conclusion effectively summarizes your main points and reinforces your thesis.
5. Analyze your paragraphs: Examine each paragraph individually. Make sure each one has a clear topic sentence, relevant supporting details or evidence, and transitions that smoothly connect one paragraph to the next.
6. Assess your sentence structure and grammar: Pay close attention to sentence construction and grammar to ensure clarity and cohesiveness. Look for run-on sentences, awkward phrasing, or ambiguous language.
7. Remove unnecessary content: Trim any repetitive or irrelevant information that doesn't contribute to your argument or overall paper. Make sure that every point you make directly supports your thesis or main ideas.
8. Seek feedback: Share your revised paper with a trusted friend, classmate, or teacher who can provide feedback. Consider their suggestions and use them to further refine and improve your paper.
Remember, the revision process is iterative, so expect to go through multiple rounds of revision. By utilizing these strategies, you can enhance the clarity, coherence, and overall quality of your paper.