20 Questions
What is a possible approach to creating a post-outline for a shorter paper?
identifying the main point of each paragraph
What should you pay attention to while reviewing your post-outline?
the flow of ideas and repetitiveness
What is a benefit of using a post-outline in the editing process?
it helps you to identify repetitive points and reorganize them
Why is it important to review your post-outline for gaps in logic?
to ensure that your ideas are well-organized and flow logically
What is an example of a repetitive point that a post-outline can help you identify?
repeating the point that there is no crime deterrence factor in states that have the death penalty
What should you do with repetitive points that you identify through your post-outline?
move them to where they belong in the paper
What is a possible approach to creating a post-outline for a longer paper?
breaking down the paper into sections and subsections
What is the primary purpose of creating a post-outline?
to identify areas where your ideas need improvement
What can you do with your post-outline once you have identified areas for improvement?
revise the paper to improve its organization and flow
What type of paper might benefit from a post-outline?
any type of paper
What should be your primary concern when reviewing your post-outline?
Logical progression of ideas
Why is it essential to identify repetitive points in your paper?
To avoid confusing your readers
What is a common issue that a post-outline can help you identify?
Skipped steps in a process
What should you do with your post-outline once it is complete?
Use it as a guide for your editing process
What is the primary purpose of a post-outline in the editing process?
To identify areas for improvement in your paper
How can a post-outline benefit your writing?
It helps you ensure logical progression of ideas
What can a post-outline help you see in your paper?
Gaps in logic and repetition
What should you focus on when reviewing your list of major points?
The logical progression of ideas
What might be a benefit of using a post-outline when writing a paper?
It helps you identify areas for improvement
What should you do after listing out your major points?
Read through your list to ensure logical progression
Study Notes
Improving Essay Content
- When revising an essay, it's easy to focus on grammar, spelling, and punctuation, but substantial edits require improving the content itself.
- To improve content, consider the purpose of the essay: is it to inform, persuade, or entertain? Ensure the purpose is clear and aligned with the thesis statement.
Clarifying the Essay's Purpose
- Common issues with essay purpose include discovering that what should have been a persuasive paper is instead informative or descriptive.
- Review the essay to identify instances where facts or examples are presented without explicit argumentation to support the main argument.
- Fix this by following up each instance with persuasive statements arguing that the facts and examples support the main argument.
Refocusing the Thesis Statement
- A clear thesis statement is essential; if missing, don't worry, as it can be developed and added during the editing process.
- Examine the essay question and major points made throughout the body paragraphs to develop a strong thesis statement.
- Improve the thesis statement by making it more specific, tying it to the rest of the essay, and positioning it naturally in the first paragraph.
Strengthening Main Points
- Review each body paragraph to ensure a clear main point that supports the thesis statement.
- If a paragraph has gone off-track, consider deleting or redirecting it to align with the main point of the essay.
- Check for missing major points and add paragraphs to address any gaps.
Including Sufficient Details
- Ensure supporting details are included to avoid vague or general statements.
- Review the essay to identify and address any unproven assertions or general statements.
- Use details to explain processes and provide evidence to support arguments.
Improving Organization
- Outlining the paper after it's written can help identify organization issues and improve the paper's structure.
- Create a quick list of major points to ensure the progression makes sense and identify any gaps or repetitive points.
- Use this process to refine the paper's organization and flow.
Learn how to effectively revise and improve your essay content. Go beyond just checking for spelling and grammar errors. Discover the secrets to making your essay stand out. Take this quiz to test your knowledge and skills!
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
