Revision
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John R. Trimble relates the experience of an actress who was asked by George Bernard Shaw to critique the manuscript of a play. She confessed that she didn't feel comfortable marking up his manuscript, and Shaw responded:
Oh, bother the MSS., mark them as much as you like: what else are they for? Mark everything that strikes you. I may consider a thing 49 times; but if you consider it, it will be considered 50 times; and a line 50 times considered is 2 percent better than a line 49 times considered. And it is the final 2 percent that makes the difference between excellence and mediocrity (12).
What can we learn from this?
1. Welcome feedback. Recruit readers who will both praise and critique your writing.
2. Excellence in writing is synonymous with multiple revisions.
James A. Michener said: "I have never thought of myself as a good writer. Anyone who wants reassurance of that should read one of my first drafts. But I'm one of the world's greatest rewriters."
And E. B. White, of Charlotte's Web fame wrote: "The main thing I try to do is write as clearly as I can. Because I have the greatest respect for the reader, and if he's going to the trouble of reading what I've written--I'm a slow reader myself and I guess most people are--why the least I can do is make it as easy as possible for him to find out what I'm trying to say, trying to get at. I rewrite a good deal to make it clear."
Critical Reading Guide
Writer, before handing your draft to the reader, write on it one of your concerns. What do you feel needs to be improved? Perhaps the reader will be able to give you some ideas.
I. Presentation of Issue
A. Praise effective introduction of issue and its significance. B. Critique 1. Is more information needed? Where would you add it? 2. Does the writer explain the seriousness of the issue? If not, how could he or she better introduce it? II. Well-Supported Position A. Underline thesis. Does it forecast the reasons? B. Underline topic sentences that refer back to forecast. C. Praise a compelling reason or supporting evidence. D. Critique a weakness in the argument. |
III. Counterarguments
A. Praise a well-written concession or convincing refutation. B. Critique 1. Identify a weak refutation. 2. Suggest additional counterargument/s. 3. Indicate where common ground could be found. IV. Readability A. Praise structure, transitions, or an effective introduction or conclusion. B. Critique any of these elements that needs improvement. V. Technical Concerns A. Does essay meet length requirements? B. Are sources cited correctly in text? C. Is a "Works-Cited" Page included? D. Is Field Research included? |
After reading this essay, how do you feel about the writer's concern? Do you have suggestions for dealing with it?