When I write school papers I take my time and work hard to make sure that I do well on the assignment. I typically like writing papers, except when it is on a topic that really doesn’t appeal to me, but that doesn’t happen often. I like being able to express my views on a topic, and I like researching and finding out more information about a certain topic.
When I revise papers I usually print them out and underline sections that need work. I also, depending on the kind of paper, do more research to get a better grasp of the topic that I have written about. When I revise papers, I spend at least 1 to 2 hours trying to strengthen and make the papers even better. Because I spend so much time on papers and other non-fiction writing, I typically don’t revise them much. I do, though, reread them many times while also editing them and reworking them a little. The papers that I do spend a lot of time revising do tend to be my stronger papers and because of that I know that I should revise all the papers I write.
I do, however, revise my fiction writing. When I am writing a story, I tend to just write, I don’t really pay attention to grammar or the structure of the story. Once I have all my thoughts out down on paper, I reread the story multiple times and I fix spelling and small grammatical errors. After that I usually reread it again and I begin to revise or rework the story. I can spend one to two hours reworking a page in a story and then go back to that page again a week later and do the same thing again.
When I begin to revise my poetry analysis paper, I hope to make stronger connections to the poem to validate my points and arguments. There are also sections of my paper that need more elaboration and explanation. By adding the explanations it will convey how my analysis and argument relate to the poem. Once I finish revising my paper I hope to see that the paper is more concise and easier to understand.
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I love that you mentioned that you print out your papers. Living in the age that we do, and considering that we are taking an online class, it's safe to assume that many of our fellow students have never physically gotten their hands on any of their assignments this semester, and I think they should. There is something so different about reading your paper printed, as opposed to on your computer. Then to put pen to that paper for your revisions is more rewarding as well. Good luck with your final draft!
ReplyDeleteHi Adriana. This comment is from Nathan K. He was having trouble posting it:
ReplyDeleteLike Nikki, I was pretty excited when you mentioned that you print your papers to revise them. I have never been one to revise my work, as I often end up changing it so much it just becomes another first draft of a paper. After all it is usually all I can do to write it in the first place! So I really want to try your method. I think that by working a hard copy like you mentioned, it can help you to make the small changes to refine your paper's message, as opposed to the major changes that just change your message. I can tell from your post that you are an experienced writer, and as one who is NOT, I think I have greatly benefited from your share of information. Thank You!!
I also print out my work and make comments to the side or scribble out a sentence that just not fit in with the rest of the paper, it does help. It's great that you enjoy writing as well I bet it makes a big difference to see it in a positive way that you are sending out your message rather than dreading it as i find myself doing and only because i feel i understand or interpret things in a different ways than most people do so writing in a manner that others can understand what i am trying to say is difficult.
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