Revisions and Finishing Touches

Introduction

Most written works go through a series of versions before the final draft is submitted for evaluation or publication. These incarnations typically include a first draft, and one or more edited versions or revisions. This lesson discusses the process and techniques used for revising and polishing essays for maximum impact when they are finally read by the intended audience.

What is in a Name?

At this point, it becomes much easier for the author to title the essay. Having been through all the organization, research, and writing of the paper, a suitable title should be simple to create. Occasionally, a title will inspire the writing of the essay, not to mention that generating the title first is a strong instinct for many writers. However, it is usually easier to decide on a title after the writing is completed.

Here is a simple suggestion for titling essays, make the title catchy and creative, but not too unusual or bizarre; titles that seems like the author was "reaching" or straining to be clever may not be received well. It is best to take an approach that makes the title memorable, but not crazy, approachable and understandable, but not dull, flat, and boring. (Eggenschweiler and Biggs, 2001)