Principles of Revision

Principles of Revision

Written by Anthony C. Winkler and Jo Ray McCuen-Metherell in Writing the Research Paper, A Handbook. Boston: Wadsworth. 2008.pp. 123-138


1. Rereading your writing

2. Revising the paper from biggest to smallest elements Revising the opening paragraph

3. Revising the introduction

4. Check that your paragraphs follow the sequence of topics in the thesis

5. Revising the body paragraphs

6. Check paragraph transitions

7. Revising sentences for variety and style

8. Revise sentences to use the active voice

9. Revise to use an appropriate point of view

10. Revise sexist language

11. Revising words: Diction

12. Revise diction for accuracy and exactness
13. Revise the overuse of phrases for subjects instead of single nouns

14. Revise redundant expressions

15. Revise meaningless words and phrases

16. Revise snobbish diction