Revision: the word that strikes fear in just about every college student. But it doesn’t have to be. It can be made easy, and your work will improve if you know a few tips and tricks.
It’s one of the few things teachers who teach writing dread, yet it’s one of the most important tasks involved in the writing process. Not only does it force you to review your own work, but it also helps you to improve and master the strategies of your craft. And, it’s the most useful tip you’ll ever receive.
To revise effectively, you must be comfortable looking at your paper as a whole. One way to do this is to read it aloud. It not only helps you catch spelling and grammatical mistakes, but it helps you notice the flow of your essay. Think about how you would structure your sentences if you were speaking to someone.
So you’ve decided to revise your academic essay. Or you’re already working on your paper and find that your essay is not turning out the way you imagined. These tips will help you overcome common pitfalls and improve the quality of your essay.
Writing well is one of the most important skills you can develop. Knowing how to revise your writing to improve it is just as important. It is hard work, and you’re bound to make mistakes. But there are ways to fix and improve your writing by the end of the revision process.
Start revising early
One of the best pieces of advice I was given in college was to “start revising early.” This seemed silly to me at the time since all my professors and classmates started drafting papers, essays, and reports months before the due date. But looking back, this wisdom probably saved me hours of late-night cramming.
Plan your revision using a timetable
It’s nearing exam time again, which means revision time is here. Use time table to help you plan your revision, and stick to that timetable for the best results. You can plan your revision yourself, or you can use one that’s already put together for you.
Don’t spend ages making your notes look pretty
The vast majority of us have probably spent more time formatting our notes than actually taking notes. A select few can whip up a perfectly formatted note in a fraction of the time, and this is a weirdly satisfying skill!
Set up a nice, tidy study space
Whether it’s for homework or studying for your upcoming big test, having a tidy space to work in can make all the difference. Some studies show a difference in performing better academically between students who use messy study spaces compared to those who don’t. If you’re struggling to maintain neatness despite your best intentions, try these tips from Clean Mama for cleaning and organizing your space.
Vary your revision notes all around your house
If you’re a visual person, you may think that the only way to improve your notes is by constantly reviewing them, reviewing them—only to find yourself still confused a few hours later. But visual learners can improve their long-term memory by changing their notes around their house.
