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?
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/editing.htm
http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/catalogue.html#process
The first three links particularly.
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/general/index.html#revising
The first six links.
Now ... if you'll write up what YOU THINK about all this and post it, someone here will be happy to comment on your ideas.
Read, Recite, Review! It always works.
Actually it is called the SQ3R method, my bad.
When revising a paper, there are several strategies you can employ to ensure that you have a polished and well-written final draft. Here are some key strategies:
1. Start with a break: Step away from your paper for a while before revising. This break helps you approach the paper with a fresh perspective.
2. Review for clarity: Read your paper aloud to check for clarity and flow. Look for any logical inconsistencies, awkward phrasing, or unclear ideas.
3. Check for grammar and spelling errors: Use grammar and spell-check tools, but don't rely on them entirely. Review your paper manually to catch any errors that the automated tools might miss.
4. Organize your thoughts: Ensure that your paper has a clear introduction, body paragraphs with strong arguments, and a logical conclusion. Make sure each paragraph focuses on a specific idea and transitions smoothly from one to the next.
5. Seek feedback from others: Feedback from another source can be invaluable in identifying areas for improvement. However, it's crucial to know when to accept feedback. Here are some factors to consider:
- Expertise: If the person providing feedback has knowledge or experience in the subject matter, their input can be valuable.
- Objectivity: If the person can provide unbiased and objective feedback, it can help you identify blind spots or weaknesses in your paper.
- Multiple perspectives: Seek feedback from different sources to gain a well-rounded view. Different perspectives can bring varied insights to your writing.
- Consistency: If multiple sources point out the same issues or areas for improvement, it is a strong indicator that the feedback is valuable.
What makes feedback valuable to you?
- Specificity: Feedback that offers specific suggestions or examples is more valuable than general comments. Specific feedback allows you to pinpoint exactly what needs improvement.
- Constructiveness: Feedback that is constructive and supportive helps you grow as a writer. Look for feedback that highlights both strengths and weaknesses.
- Alignment with your goals: Feedback that is aligned with your writing goals and the purpose of your paper can be particularly useful. It helps to ensure that your paper meets the intended objectives.
To summarize, effective revision strategies include taking a break before revising, reviewing for clarity and grammar, organizing your thoughts, and seeking feedback from trusted sources. Determining when to accept feedback depends on factors like expertise, objectivity, multiple perspectives, and consistency. Valuable feedback is specific, constructive, and aligned with your goals.