The Importance of Revision

Students will understand revision as part of the writing process, and they will learn how to implement revision comments and suggestions from others into their writing. Assessment/Deliverables:

• Students will revise at least one substantive written assignment guided by rough draft comments created by their instructor and peers (instructors’ evaluations can be delivered via written comments, verbal comments, and/or conferencing). • Students will meet with their instructor at least once to discuss a draft of a specific writing assignment.

As we known, revision literally means to “see again,” to look at something from a fresh, critical perspective. It is an ongoing process of rethinking the paper: reconsidering your arguments, reviewing your evidence, refining your purpose, reorganizing your presentation, reviving stale prose. As a result, revision is very important to our writing, especially essays. How to implement revision comments and suggestions from others into our writing? However, after a quarter’s practice and learning, I have a better understanding of implementing revision comments and suggestions. Undoubtedly, the comments and suggestions are usually helpful to our writing, especially in spelling. If the suggestions are just about spelling, I can correct the mistakes immediately. But if the suggestions ask me to change my whole graph, delete some parts, or rewrite the conclusion, I have to check my writing carefully and ask myself some questions, if it’s really worth saying, if it says what you wanted to say, and if a reader will understand what you’re saying. If the answer is yes, I will to talk with someone who gave me suggestion, try to explain to him or her.

However, if the answer is no, I have to rewrite some parts which may be my favorite graphs.

I understand you hate rewriting. You have to understand that writers must be willing to sacrifice their favorite bits of writing for the good of the piece as a whole. My trick is not to hinder yourself while you are composing the first draft because the more you produce, the more you will have to work with when cutting time comes. Just as William Zinsser said, rewriting is the essence of writing well—where the game is won or lost.