Revising Stage 1: Seeing the Big Picture

When you first begin your revision process, you should focus on the big picture or issues at the essay level that might need to be addressed. The following questions will guide you:

• Do you have a clear thesis? Do you know what idea or perspective you want your reader to understand upon reading your essay?
• Is your essay well organized?
• Is each paragraph a building block in your essay: does each explain or support your thesis?
• Does it need a different shape? Do parts need to be moved?
• Do you fully explain and illustrate the main ideas of your paper?
• Does your introduction grab the reader’s interest?
• Does your conclusion leave the reader understanding your point of view?
• Are you saying in your essay what you want to say?
• What is the strength of your paper? What is its weakness?