College Composition / Unit 12 CMP 0290 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
A Revision Checklist
The idea
A checklist of questions about topic, purpose, audience and culture structures a full revision pass.
In practice
Ask the questions in order. First, topic: what is my thesis, and does every part of the paper focus on it? Second, purpose: what do I hope to accomplish, and does every part advance it? Third, audience: what do my readers know, what do they need to know, and what objections will they raise? Fourth, culture: do my readers share my background and assumptions, and have I explained what they may not share? Fifth, structure: is each paragraph's point clear, and is the order logical? Sixth, evidence: is every claim supported? Only after these, turn to sentences and words.
Where people slip
A checklist is a guide, not a guarantee. Answer each question honestly against the draft in front of you, rather than against the draft you meant to write.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Unlocks
- Nothing yet depends on this.
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