Approach to Editing Compositions
24 Sep 09
If you're given a writing assignment, start as soon as possible. The key to writing well is to write and rewrite your work until the day it's due. Here is an example to manage your time and to get started on any writing assignments.
Lets say it's Monday and your assignment is due the following Monday.
Monday
-write the thesis & topic sentences
-build your outline
-find 2-3 examples from the literature to support each of your topic sentences
Tuesday
-get a rough draft of your introductory and one body paragraph completed
-go over your outline and make sure your sentences are ON TOPIC
Wednesday
-complete a rough draft of your remaining body paragraphs
-read over the paragraph you wrote the previous day, make sure your sentences are ON TOPIC
-reread them again to make sure your sentences make sense and that your thoughts are expressed clearly
Thursday
-finish the rough draft of your concluding paragraph
-read over the paragraph you wrote on Tuesday and Wednesday
-check them to make sure the sentences are focused and contain appropriate examples to support your topic sentences
Friday
-reread your drafts, checking for mistakes and rephrase any sentences that are unclear
-get a friend or parent to reread your paragraphs for mistakes
Saturday
-reread and rewrite any sentences that do not support the topic of your thesis or topic sentences
Sunday
-reread and check for any spelling or grammar errors
-rewrite to make your sentences clear and focused
Monday
-hand in your assignment
By looking at this example, it should be clear that rereading and rewriting your drafts are key to writing well for assignments. Never stop editing your paper until the date they are due!
Lets say it's Monday and your assignment is due the following Monday.
Monday
-write the thesis & topic sentences
-build your outline
-find 2-3 examples from the literature to support each of your topic sentences
Tuesday
-get a rough draft of your introductory and one body paragraph completed
-go over your outline and make sure your sentences are ON TOPIC
Wednesday
-complete a rough draft of your remaining body paragraphs
-read over the paragraph you wrote the previous day, make sure your sentences are ON TOPIC
-reread them again to make sure your sentences make sense and that your thoughts are expressed clearly
Thursday
-finish the rough draft of your concluding paragraph
-read over the paragraph you wrote on Tuesday and Wednesday
-check them to make sure the sentences are focused and contain appropriate examples to support your topic sentences
Friday
-reread your drafts, checking for mistakes and rephrase any sentences that are unclear
-get a friend or parent to reread your paragraphs for mistakes
Saturday
-reread and rewrite any sentences that do not support the topic of your thesis or topic sentences
Sunday
-reread and check for any spelling or grammar errors
-rewrite to make your sentences clear and focused
Monday
-hand in your assignment
By looking at this example, it should be clear that rereading and rewriting your drafts are key to writing well for assignments. Never stop editing your paper until the date they are due!