7 Revision and Editing Free Online FlashCards

What is revision?

Revision reshapes a draft’s purpose, structure, or development so it communicates more effectively.

What does editing focus on?

Editing focuses on language and correctness, including clarity, word choice, grammar, and punctuation.

Why address major draft problems before polishing sentences?

Address large-scale problems first; major revisions may remove or rewrite sentences that would otherwise be polished unnecessarily.

What can a reverse outline reveal?

A reverse outline summarizes each paragraph, section, or scene in one sentence, revealing repetition, missing steps, and parts that do not contribute.

What is the purpose of reordering material?

Move a paragraph, scene, or piece of information to improve flow, suspense, or emphasis.

When should a writer add material during revision?

Add material the reader needs, such as a missing explanation, example, transition, decision, or consequence.

What kinds of material are candidates for cutting?

Cut repetition, detours, or details that do not serve the draft’s purpose.

How should revision balance expansion and compression?

Expand an important point or turning point so it develops; compress material that distracts from it.

When might a draft need to be reframed?

Reframe the draft’s focus when its strongest idea differs from the original plan.

How can you test whether a section belongs in a draft?

Ask what each part contributes and how it connects to what comes before and after. If removing it changes neither understanding nor experience, consider cutting, combining, or refocusing it.

How can sentence-level revision strengthen language?

Choose specific words for the intended meaning and tone, replace vague or repetitive phrasing, and clarify confusing sentences.

What does concision mean in writing?

Concision means making each word earn its place, not making every sentence short.