Learning Skills
Essay Writing
The essay writing process
Step 5: Edit
This is the final step in the essay writing process and an important one. Failing to edit your work will impact on your marks despite all your hard work so far. Remember, professionally presented, clear, easy to read text is the key.
McLaren (1997) refers to two editing steps: micro and macro editing. Micro editing involves checking that your
- spelling, grammar and punctuation is correct. Always use your spelling and grammar checker, but be aware that this may not pick up all errors
- referencing is correct and consistent. Inconsistent referencing suggests poor attention to presentation.
Macro editing refers to examining the essay as a whole. Check for coherence and logic. In other words, does your essay make sense? Is it reader friendly?
Put your essay aside for a day or two before you edit otherwise you will be inclined to read what you expect to see, not what you've written. Often the best way to edit your work is to read it aloud or read it to someone. Give your essay to someone else to read.
Finally, refer to the marking criteria in your Subject Outline for the presentation requirements for your subject and assessment item. Refer to the general guidelines if you are still unclear about how to present your work. At the very least you will know what questions to clarify with your lecturer.
Further advice on editing can be found in the Revising your draft guide, in the Self-help Resources.