Do you know how to edit?
The steps to writing a good paper, whether research, fiction, or persuasive, include many layers of editing. The first editing step is self-editing. Before handing your rough draft to another person to edit, you need to first take some proactive steps and edit your own paper.
Our editing workshop course is ten lessons divided into 2 units. The first unit focuses on the mechanics of writing. These basics are necessary and should be covered before progressing into unit 2. Unit 2 devotes its time to the style of writing. We address some of the most basic tools used to convert a boring paper into a masterpiece.
In this course, Amanda and Lori walk you through these ten skills to practice in order to self edit your paper. These steps are easy, but trying to implement them all at once before each has been mastered can be tedious. We recommend taking time to master each step as you progress in your journey to write great papers.
So go get your most recent paper, a pencil, and join us as we jump into the first step to editing your paper.
Steps from idea to completion
- Choose topic to write about
- Select format for paper - this is probably assigned, check your syllabus
- Create outline
- Research topics and site sources
- Write rough draft
- Self edit your paper
- Rewrite rough draft including improvements from self editing
- Hand paper to third party editor - usually a parent
- Rewrite paper completing suggested editing notes
- Present final draft
Course Content
Units
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Unit 1 : Mechanics
Improve your writing by mastering the basics 4 Weeks
- § 1 : SpellingEdit your spelling by applying these simple spelling rules. 1 hr
- § 2 : SentencesLearn the basics of creating complete sentences with the 5 components. 1 week
- § 3 : PunctuationReview some of the most common punctuation practices involving end marks, commas, and quotations. 20 min
- § 4 : FormattingBasic formatting skills are essential for giving your paper the professional look it requires. 20 min
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Unit 2 : Style
Learn how to use phrases, strong verbs, adjective, and more literary tools to create your own style in your writing. 5 weeks
- § 5 : Sentence Diversity - openingsStart working with varying sentence lengths and openings to create diverse sentences in your writing. 1 week
- § 6 : Sentence Diversity - patterns, clauses, & phrasesCreate further diversity in your writing by changing clauses, phrases, and the sentence patterns used. 1 week
- § 7 : RedundancyEliminate redundancy for your paper to create a concise pop in your writing! 1 week
- § 8 : Descriptive WordsDescriptive words: What are they and how do we use them? 20 min
- § 9 : Overused WordsIn writing sometimes we just need to kick the habit. The habit of using the same words over and over again that is. 20 min
- § 10 : Strong VerbsLearn how to replace your boring verbs with clear concise exciting words of action! 20min