Revision Hints for Researched Essays
In addition to all of the revision and editing techniques
that apply to non-researched essays, the following hints also apply:
- Read the essay out loud, checking that each spot where
you’ve worked in research reads smoothly and logically, that your sentence
structures work.
- Check each spot of research to make sure 1) that you
have either paraphrased or quoted, and
that you’ve done so correctly and accurately, 2) that you have clearly cited
the source in such a way that your reader can tell which of the sources on
your Works Cited is being referenced in each spot, 3) that you follow the
correct MLA style for the citations. Look in your textbook—don’t try to
remember it off the top of your head. Be careful rather than careless.
- Make sure that for each of the sources listed on your
Works Cited, that your reader can clearly tell where each source is used in
your essay.
- Make sure you always cite a source when you borrow
information, and that if you also borrow the wording, that you use quotation
marks.
- Check to make sure you have put your own thinking into
the essay in addition to the information you got from research. Make sure
your essay isn’t just a patchwork quilt, that you show us your own critical
thinking about your subject.
- Remember that in college, we don’t want just a report
on the topic. Make sure you pick an angle for your essay that fits the
actual assignment you were given, and make sure you go below the surface in
your thinking. Dig deep.
Remember to
include copies of each research source so that I can check your quoting and
paraphrasing. I will not grade the essay without the source