Global Revision Revision means to see again Revision

Global Revision

Revision means to see again. Revision takes place before editing in the Writing Process. Revision is important because we learn to write by rewriting. Revision gives us the opportunity to construct the “perfect” piece of communication. We call it “global” Revision because we are looking at the “big picture” of the paper

Unity refers to each part of the essay and the larger whole An unified paper shows a clear relationship between thesis statement and topic sentences, and between the topic sentences and supporting sentences in the paragraph. An entire paper focused on supporting a central point is a unified paper.

Unity How do we check for unity? Read over each of the topic sentences (the main idea and usually first sentence in the paragraph) and see if the topic sentences support or amplify thesis statement. Also check the “internal unity” of the paper. In each paragraph, do the supporting sentences or detail sentences relate back to the topic sentence?

Unity A unified essay will have all the elements of an essay including: 1. Introduction paragraph with a thesis statement 2. Body paragraphs with topic sentences connected back to thesis statement 3. A conclusion paragraph connected back to thesis statement

Introduction Paragraphs Coherent introduction paragraphs typically use the following model: 1. Begin with an “attention grabber” first sentence 2. Explain the question or topic being explored 3. Provide background information 4. Use a clear thesis statement to give your readers an overview of your paper

Unity

Coherence in writing is the clear relationship between one sentence and the next. Each sentence should lead to the next sentence. Coherence is achieved through the logical ordering of the sentences within the paragraphs and through the creation of smooth transitions between the sentences and paragraphs.

Coherence Ask yourself… 1. Does this point unmistakably follow from the previous idea? 2. Is this point really clear? 3. Should the ideas be ordered in a different way?

Old New Contract An effective way to create coherence in your writing is to follow something called the old/new contract. This “contract” asks that as a writer you begin your sentences with something old— something that links to what was previously stated—and then to end with something new. Adapted from the following book: Ramage, John Bean, June Johnson. The Allyn & Bacon Guide to Writing. New York: Longman, 2003. Print.

Old New Contract How do you connect old ideas to new ideas? 1. Repeat a key word 2. Use a pronoun to substitute for a key word 3. Summarize or restate an earlier concept.

Old New Contract Which sentence follows the old/new contract? Remember, this means that old information is followed by new information. 1. College students have many responsibilities. These responsibilities include attending class, completing assignments, and maintaining a high GPA, all of which are characteristics of successful students. 2. College students have many responsibilities. Attending class, completing assignments, and maintaining a high GPA are characteristics of successful students.

Checklist for Structural Revision __ Are there clear introduction, body, and conclusion paragraphs? __Does the introduction provide enough background for the reader? __Is there a clear thesis statement? __Is the essay unified? Do the topic sentences support thesis statement? Do the detail sentences support the topic sentence? __Is the essay coherent? Do the sentences in the paragraph follow the old/new contract?

Sources Fawcett, Susan and Alvin Sandberg. Grassroots with Readings. New York: Houghton Mifflin 1998. Print. Neman, Beth. Teaching Students to Write. New York: Oxford Press, 1980. Print. Ramage, John Bean, June Johnson. The Allyn & Bacon Guide to Writing. New York: Longman, 2003. Print.