What strategies do you use for revising a paper?
How do you know when to accept feedback from another source? what makes feedback valuable to you?
I see the word YOU three times in these three sentences.
It appears that your teacher wants to know YOUR experiences and ideas. S/he doesn't give a hoot about my answers.
By paper, do you mean essay? If so, then I would say when I revise a paper, I read it four (minimum) times through. The first time, I read it for style, and word choice. I see if I can make any points more clear, add more detail, or use better vocabulary. The second time, I check for spelling and grammar. The third time I check again for spelling and grammar. And then the fourth time I read it over again with no goal in mind, to make sure that it flows well and that I'm pleased with the final product.
Great ideas, Narasaq! I wish more students followed your suggestions.
When revising a paper, there are several strategies you can employ to ensure that your work is polished and well-crafted. Here are some effective strategies:
1. Take a Break: Start by giving yourself some time away from your paper after completing the initial draft. This will allow you to approach the revision process with fresh eyes, enabling you to identify areas that need improvement more effectively.
2. Read it Aloud: Reading your paper aloud helps you catch errors, improve the flow of your writing, and identify awkward phrasing. When you read aloud, you are more likely to notice inconsistencies, grammatical mistakes, and unclear sentences.
3. Structure and Organization: Pay attention to the overall structure and organization of your paper. Ensure that your ideas flow logically and coherently. Check if each paragraph transitions smoothly and supports the main argument.
4. Grammar and Spelling: Conduct a thorough proofreading to identify and correct any grammar and spelling errors. Utilize grammar-checking tools like Grammarly or Microsoft Word's spellchecker to assist you in catching mistakes.
5. Content Accuracy: Verify the accuracy of the information you have presented in your paper. Cross-reference your sources to ensure that your facts, statistics, and citations are correct.
6. Seek Feedback: One valuable strategy is to ask others for their feedback on your paper. Friends, classmates, or even professors can provide different perspectives. Listen attentively to their suggestions and critiques, but remember that ultimately, it is your responsibility to make the final decisions about what to change in your paper.
Knowing when to accept feedback from another source can be subjective, and it depends on a few factors:
1. Credibility of the Source: Assess the expertise and knowledge of the person providing feedback. Consider their qualifications and experience in the subject matter. Feedback from a subject matter expert or someone with more experience in writing can be particularly valuable.
2. Multiple Perspectives: If you receive similar feedback from multiple sources, it is usually a good indication that there might be an issue that needs to be addressed. Different perspectives can shed light on aspects of your paper that you may have overlooked or not considered.
3. Objectivity and Constructive Criticism: Valuable feedback is typically objective and focuses on specific aspects that need improvement. It should offer constructive suggestions that help you enhance your paper rather than being overly critical or dismissive.
4. Alignment with Your Goals: Consider whether the feedback aligns with your vision for the paper. If it helps you achieve your intended goals and makes your work stronger, then it is likely valuable feedback.
Remember, while feedback can be helpful, you should always apply your critical thinking skills to evaluate and determine which suggestions are most relevant and aligned with your vision for the paper.