Style and Correctness Workshop
Dr. Tracey Schwarze
Christopher Newport University, English Department

Writers: At the top of your essay, indicate what types of revisions you've made. Ask any question(s) that you would like a reader to answer.

Readers: What revisions help you as a reader to better understand the writer's purpose? Answer the writer's question(s).

Possible Editing Questions:

1. Concrete words. Does the writer name definite actors and use strong verbs throughout the essay? Annotate places where nouns and verbs might be made more precise. Does the writer include quick or extended examples that ground her or his abstractions and enable you to visualize exactly what is being discussed? Annotate places where additional examples--short or extended--might be useful.

2. Transitions. Are all the ideas within individual paragraphs clearly connected with transitional phrases or words (that is, is what is known connected to what is new?). Do paragraphs proceed logically from one another, and are connections between paragraphs clearly specified? Annotate any places where connections might be made clearer.

3. Punctuation. Check individual sentences for effective punctuation. Are semi-colons, commas, and colons being used correctly? (Refer to your handout if you're not sure). Are there places where there might be a more effective punctuation choice?

4. Documentation Style. Are sources cited properly in the text according to MLA conventions? Do all in-text parentheticals cross reference with the works cited page? Are Works Cited entries properly formatted? Check your Quick Access text if you have questions.

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