Things You’ll Need:
Step 1: Make sure that the paper topic is focused and specific.
Step 2: Review the thesis statement. Is it clear and precise? Does it firmly establish the aim of the paper?
Step 3: Look at the individual paragraphs of the paper. Make sure the topic of each paragraph is clear and the paragraph's goal is accomplished. Give adequate examples, quotations and explanations to reinforce arguments.
Step 4: Ask yourself whether each paragraph is effective. If it is not, figure out why. If the paragraph is too short, perhaps it should be cut from the paper. If it's too long, maybe it needs to be reworked or split it into more than one paragraph.
Step 5: Number the paragraphs in order from weakest to strongest argument. The paper should build toward its conclusion and end strongly.
Step 6: Ask yourself whether the general purpose of the paper has been accomplished by the time you reach the end.
Step 7: Go back and look at the smaller, basic elements of the paper, such as grammar, style and syntax. Check for run-on sentences, sentence fragments and errors in grammar and spelling.
Step 8: Make sure paragraphs and sentences flow well. The transition from one paragraph to the next should be clear, yet fluid. Combine or shorten sentences when necessary.
Step 9: Find an alternate way of expressing any word or phrase that is overused. Use a thesaurus.
Step 10:Make sure all references to research materials are correctly cited.
TIPS and WARNINGS
- Write your revisions and corrections in a color that stands out, such as red or green.
- After revising the body of the paper, consider rewriting the opening and closing paragraphs so that they better reflect the content of the paper.
- Have someone else proofread your paper before you turn it in.
