It is important for students to learn how to correctly revise their work before handing it in. Revision includes correcting grammar, spelling, and content.
You can help your child learn to revise his or her writing.
Organization Make sure that the topic sentences and paragraphs are organized accordingly. If the topic sentence or introduction contains, ideas a, b, and c, then the paragraphs should be organized in the same order (i.e. a, b, and c). Perhaps some paragraphs have to be reordered if they are not organized accordingly.
Ideas Go over the main ideas that are presented. Make sure that all the important points are expressed. If the writing is an opinion or persuasive, make sure that both sides of the argument are presented.
Strengths Start off by underlining or putting a note beside the sentences or paragraphs that demonstrate good writing. This will make the rest of the revision less painful.
Read Out Loud By far, the best way to revise writing is to read it out loud. This is the best method to catch mistakes than weren't caught when reading silently.
Information Should more information be added? Make sure the topic sentences state the main idea and make sure that the rest of the paragraph contains the supporting details. Also, make sure that the concluding statement supports the topic sentence. Are facts or data required? Don't be shy to delete or cross out any irrelevant information and make sure that there isn't too much repetition.
Show, Don't Tell Use the 5 senses to add description to a piece of writing. Try not to use a 'passive' voice. Instead, use an 'active' voice. Verbs are good words to use because they add more 'movement' to a piece of writing.
Detail, Detail, Detail Check for detail, especially when writing a narrative. Make sure that the reader definitely knows exactly what is being referred to when they read such words as 'they', 'him', 'it', etc...
Students should use a word processing program when revising. This will make the entire process much easier because students can move around paragraphs, delete sentences, and add in words or ideas. All of these skills will improve your child's essay writing skills.
