Hamilton College
Skip Main Navigation
Skip Section Navigation Nesbitt-Johnston
Writing Center Home About the Writing Center Writing Center History Celebrating 20 Years
Alumni Review Article Essentials of Writing (Hamilton Style Guide) The Seven Deadly Sins of Writing Writing Intensive Guidelines For Faculty Conferences Writing Tutors Getting the Most Out of Your Conference Evaulation Form Student Comments Tips and Guides Complete List Sources and Citations Additional Resources Student Writing Prizes Description and Submission information
Writing Center

Revision: From First to Final Draft

by Sharon Williams

View in PDF Format

Transforming your first draft into a final draft can be a challenging process. The following questions may guide you as you decide what and how to revise.
 
Questions to Ask Yourself
The Introduction
    1. Do I catch the reader's interest, provide relevant background, and narrow the topic into a thesis sentence?
    2. Does the thesis encompass all of my key ideas?
    3. Can I underline the thesis to make sure that it is clearly stated?
    4. Do I need to adjust the thesis--either broaden or narrow it?
The Discussion
    1. Have I clearly organized my paragraphs, using one main idea per paragraph?
    2. Have I included a topic sentence to introduce the main idea for each paragraph?
    3. Do I need to adjust any topic sentences in any way?
    4. Have I used transitions as links back to the thesis and to preceding paragraphs?
    5. Does my argument: have a clear structure? (Can I easily outline it? Can someone else?) develop in the most logical order? Would a different organization be more effective? respond in sufficient depth to all aspects of the assignment?
    6. Do I have enough evidence, or too much? Does my evidence advance the argument in some way, without repeating the same points? Does each sub-argument have enough explanation and support (quotations, detailed discussion of events or language,...)?
    7. Do I explain in my own words the significance of all quotations? Am I using quotations to support my own analysis? Am I using the documentation method my professor requires?
The Conclusion
    1. Does my conclusion bring my argument to a close?
    2. Does it tie the argument together in such a way that the reader knows my purpose in writing this paper?
    3. Does it accomplish more, such as provide a broader context for the topic, propose a course of action, offer a new perspective on the topic, or end with an interesting twist?
    4. Do I leave my reader with something to ponder?

Sentence-Level Revision
What grammatical and stylistic concerns do I see? Have I written with clarity and conciseness? Check for the following:*
    • correct word choice, punctuation, spelling
    • clear pronoun reference (tip: avoid 'this is,' 'it is,' and 'that is' constructions)
    • consistent verb tense
    • variety in sentence structure *( For further explanation of these concerns, see relevant handouts at the Writing Center or Writing Center website.)
Is the emotional tone I use appropriate for my audience and topic?
    • What more could I say in the next draft? Could I strengthen my argument with further evidence, provide a broader context, or examine counter-arguments?
    • What could I eliminate in the next draft? Have I used irrelevant or repetitive ideas, unnecessary quotations...?
 
General Suggestions
    • Read your draft aloud. We often hear weaknesses in writing more readily than we see them.
    • Keep a reader in mind. Ask yourself, "Could someone else understand what I am saying?"
    • Have someone else read your draft - a writing tutor, a friend, a roommate. It is very difficult to be objective about your own writing. Be sure to acknowledge all help you receive and make sure there is no conflict of interest if you work with someone else from the same class.
 
Tips for Maintaining Focus
Make a brief outline as you read your draft, underlining or summarizing in the margin the main idea of each section. Use subheadings. Even if subheadings aren't retained in the final draft, they can be helpful in organizing an argument. Use phrases and sentences that work as links for the reader, a "trail of breadcrumbs" (Jen Klein, '93).

The Final Step
Once you have completed the final revision, it is time for one more effort - spellcheck and proofread. You wrote it; take pride in your final effort. Proofread!

HOURS:
Mon.-Thurs.: 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Fri.: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sun.: Noon - 11 p.m.
Open additional hours for computer use.


TO SCHEDULE, CANCEL, OR INQUIRE ABOUT A WRITING CONFERENCE:
Call (315) 859-4363 or stop by the Writing Center
(K-J 209).

  • To email your draft: wcpapers@hamilton.edu
  • Drafts longer than six pages should be submitted 24 hours in advance.