Editing
Once you have written your assignment, it is a good idea not to look at it for a few days. Some distance and a fresh mind helps you to view your work more objectively. When you begin editing, read your work a few times and focus on different elements of the assignment with each reading: the writing layers technique discussed on the previous tab can help with this. You can also try building a reverse outline to assess structure, i.e., how your ideas progress and connect.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Does my essay have a clear introduction, body and conclusion?
- Have I covered all the main points from my plan?
- Is my argument convincing?
- Do I contradict myself at all?
- Is there a logical flow to my writing?
- Have I answered the question?
This is the perfect time to review any constructive feedback you received on recent written assignments, as those comments will refresh your awareness of issues you want to look out for. Check out our Feedback Decoder to learn more about proactively using feedback.
Your assignment
For each section of the assignment consider the following:
| Section of Assignment |
What to Consider |
| Introduction |
- Have I presented or defined my topic clearly?
- Is my line of argument clearly presented?
- Have I briefly stated what I will write about in the assignment?
|
| Body |
- Have I developed my argument throughout the body?
- Are my ideas and paragraphs ordered logically?
- Are there transitional words/sentences between paragraphs?
- Does each topic sentence clearly state the main idea of the paragraph?
- Is each paragraph supported with examples and explanations?
|
| Conclusion |
- Does my conclusion summarise the key points in my essay?
- Does it link back to the introduction?
- Does it emphasise my argument?
- Have I made sure I have not included any new ideas?
|
Check the style
Academic writing style is subjective, and different disciplines and academic units have their own ideas about what makes a good writing style. However, remember that your goal in academic writing is to communicate your ideas in a clear and understandable manner.
Tips for improving your academic writing style
| Tip |
What to Consider |
| Use a formal style of writing |
- Use the readings of your module to get an idea of appropriate language.
- Do not use slang, jargon and pretentious language, as this can cloud what you are trying to communicate and confuse your reader.
- Avoid using abbreviations and contractions, i.e., write is not rather than isn't.
|
| Use impersonal language |
- In general avoid using personal language such as I think or I believe unless it is reflective writing.
- Whatever is included in your assignment that is not attributed to someone else is assumed to be your voice.
|
Once you have done all your editing, then you can proofread your work.
