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?
Thanks to PsyDAG for the following:
In the future, if nobody is available to proofread your work, you can do this yourself. After writing your material, put it aside for a day — at least several hours. (This breaks mental sets you might have that keep you from noticing problems.) Then read it aloud as if you were reading someone else's work. (Reading aloud slows down your reading, so you are less likely to skip over problems.)
[You can also either read it aloud to someone else or have someone else read it aloud to you! (The latter works really well!)]
If your reading goes smoothly, that is fine. However, wherever you "stumble" in your reading, other persons are likely to have a problem in reading your material. Those "stumbles" indicate areas that need revising.
Once you have made your revisions, repeat the process above. Good papers often require many drafts.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And here are a couple of really good websites that will help, too.
http://blog.eduify.com/index.php/2009/10/28/editing-secrets-everyone-should-know/
(Broken Link Removed)
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/proofing.htm
If you have the paper on a computer, you can have the computer read the material to you.
I hope this helps a little more.
When it comes to revising a paper, there are several strategies you can use to improve its overall quality. Here are some effective techniques:
1. Take a break: Before starting the revision process, it's essential to take a break from your paper. This break allows you to approach your work with fresh eyes and a clear mind.
2. Read aloud: To identify any awkward sentences or grammatical errors, read your paper aloud. This technique helps you catch mistakes that might go unnoticed when reading silently.
3. Focus on structure: Analyze the organization of your paper. Ensure that your ideas flow logically and that each paragraph connects smoothly with the next. Check if your thesis statement is clear and supported throughout the paper.
4. Check for coherence: Make sure your ideas are well-supported and that your arguments are cohesive. Look for any gaps or inconsistencies in your reasoning.
5. Polish your prose: Pay attention to sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary. Be concise and precise in your language, avoiding repetition or unnecessary words.
6. Seek feedback: It is highly beneficial to get feedback from others, especially from individuals who are knowledgeable in your field or have experience with writing. However, knowing when to accept feedback is key.
So, when should you accept feedback from another source?
1. Consider the expertise: Evaluate the expertise of the person providing feedback. If they have subject-specific knowledge or writing experience in the area, their feedback is likely to be valuable.
2. Multiple perspectives: Feedback from multiple sources can help you gain diverse insights and identify recurring issues. If several individuals share similar suggestions, it's worth considering their feedback.
3. Critical evaluation: Analyze the feedback objectively and critically. Consider the rationale behind each suggestion and determine if it aligns with your intended goals for the paper. Not all suggestions need to be implemented, but if you find something that improves the clarity or quality of your work, it's worth incorporating.
Now, what makes feedback valuable?
1. Constructive criticism: Valuable feedback provides specific suggestions for improvement rather than solely highlighting problems. It should help you understand how to enhance your paper effectively.
2. Clear explanations: Feedback that explains why certain changes are recommended helps you better grasp the reasoning behind the suggestions. This enables you to make informed decisions during revision.
3. Objectivity: Feedback should be unbiased and objective rather than purely subjective. By receiving objective feedback, you can address weaknesses in your paper and enhance its overall quality.
Remember, revising a paper is a gradual process, and it's crucial to allocate sufficient time for it. Additionally, maintaining a receptive attitude towards feedback and being open to making changes will significantly enhance the effectiveness of your revisions.