Free ResourcesRevision
Revision is the ongoing process of making decisions about how to improve a piece of writing. As writers draft, they revise for the purpose of clarifying meanings and developing their ideas.
To many child writers, the definition of revision is reduced to “correcting” or “making it better.” This view often leads children to use the word “revise” interchangeably with the word “edit,” which is a gross oversimplification.
When writers revise, they think about the overall quality of their writing. They consider how their piece sounds and whether they have effectively communicated their message. As writers revise, they consider several questions including:
- Do I need to use more precise language?
- Do I need to add or take out details?
- Have I effectively used my paper to communicate how a reader should read and interpret my message?
- Does my piece sound the way I hear it in my head?
- Do I explain my ideas in a way that allows readers to “see” what I have written?
- Does my writing make sense?
- Have I reached the audience for which this piece was intended?
- Does my beginning capture the interest of the reader?
