Rules for Writers Ch. 3 summary

Chapter 3 in Rules for Writers talks about "global revision" for what you have written. I believe when they say "global revision", they are referring to when a person reads over the rough draft, and starts to see the different kinds of changes they would like to make, concerning the development of the subject and general idea for the paper. The chapter also advises on editing sentence structures, grammar checking, proofreading and spell checking.

During the global revision, the entire structure of the paper could be changed. It can be something as little as rearranging sentences or paragraphs, to developing your thesis further, to physically setting aside the paper and reading it another day. Using the five points listed in the "checklist for global revision" (Rules for Writers, page 28) can help you answer any questions the reader might have.

Adding, deleting, or changing the wording of sentences is another important feature in revision, as it can help to create an understandable language. In addition, proofreading for spelling errors, punctuation errors, and grammar check will keep the reader engaged and interested in what has to be said.

When I write, I have a tendency to write one sentence at a time, stop, re-read it several times, and revise it right then and there. I will use what I've learned in Chapter 3, and try to put down my general ideas first, then set it aside for a moment. Coming back will help me "see" what I've previously written with fresh eyes. Proofreading, I learned at a previous class, is best for me, when I read my essays backwards.