What is Revising and Editing?

Great question! I'd love to tell ya!

Revising: Making the writing sound better. When we revise, it is to help the reader understand the text better. During revising, you add, cut, move, or change information in order to improve content.

Editing: During editing, you take a second look at the words and sentences you used to express your ideas and fix any problems in grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.

What does this mean for me?

As strong authors, it is up to us to make sure our writing makes sense to the reader, but to also be able to peer edit another author's writing. When we read writing, it should make sense and be easy to understand!

Today, we will look at a piece of writing and see how we can revise and edit it to make it sound better, as well as be gramamtically correct. Let's go!!

First step: Read the writing

The first thing we must do is read the writing carefully. If we notice something seems off or like it doesn't make sense, underline it, and we can come back to it later! On the next slide, we will read a piece of writing together. Notice and take note of where we may need to make some changes.

Playing the Flute
Shelby is a fourth grader. Her teacher asked her to write an expository essay about her favorite hobby. Think about changes she should make. Then read the multiple choice questions that follow.

(1) Many people have a hobby they enjoy. (2) Their hobby is nothing compared to mine. (3) This year in band class, I learned to play the flute. (4) Now it is my favorite hobby for many reasons.
(5) Playing the flute helps me relax. (6) The soft music helps calm my nerves after a long day. (7) Focusing on the music notes makes me forget about the things that are bothering me. (8) Its nice having time to unwind from my busy day. (9) My friend doesn't play the flute.
(10) Secondly, I feel good about myself when I practice my flute. (11) I love to be the best I can be at everything I do. (12) That's why I spend so much time practicing. (13) Sometimes my band director asks me to play my flute in front of the class. (14) I don't have to be nervous when I know I practiced. (15) Everyone claps for me when I am done. (16) Makes me feel good, too.
(17) Lastly, playing my flute takes me places. (18) Our band goes to things together. (19) We always love it when we win first place. (20) Every weekend, we travel to football games to perform during the halftime show. (21) We take trips to play concerts together. (22) This year, we are going to Branson, Missouri to play a concert at the Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede dinner. (23) Like I said, everyone has a favorite hobby. (24) Playing my flute isn't just a hobby to me. (25) It's my life!

Now, Let's answer some questions!

After you have read the text, you will answer several questions about how you can make the writing better. Let's look at some together.

Great work!

Remember:

As writers, we revise and edit so that our writing makes more sense to the reader!