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CC.1 Revise and edit for sense and clarity

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What does it mean to revise writing?

Revising means making changes to your writing to improve ideas, sentences, and organization. It helps your writing make sense and sound clear to the reader.

Example:
  • Original: “I went to the park. It was fun.”
  • Revised: “I went to the park with my friends, and we played on the swings. It was so much fun!”
Note

Revising is not about fixing spelling or punctuation. It is about making your ideas stronger and clearer.

What does it mean to edit writing?

Editing means checking and correcting spelling, punctuation, grammar, and capitalization. Editing makes your writing correct and ready to share.

Example:
  • Original: “we went to the store and buyed candy”
  • Edited: “We went to the store and bought candy.”
Note

Editing is about details. Always read carefully to catch small mistakes that can change meaning.

Checking for sense

When you read your writing, ask yourself: does it make sense? Does each sentence fit together with the others to tell the whole story or idea?

Example:
  • Does not make sense: “I ate lunch. The dog barked. The sun is yellow.”
  • Makes sense: “I ate lunch outside. The dog barked when it saw a bird flying by in the bright yellow sun.”
Note

If your writing sounds confusing or jumps around, revise to connect your ideas more clearly.

Checking for clarity

Clarity means your reader understands your message easily. Clear writing uses complete sentences, correct words, and details that explain your ideas well.

Example:
  • Unclear: “She went there, and it was good.”
  • Clear: “She went to the library, and it was good because she found her favorite book.”
Note

Always ask: Will my reader know who, what, when, where, and why? If not, add more details.

Steps to revise and edit your writing

Good writers follow steps to make their writing the best it can be. First revise, then edit before sharing.

Steps:
  • Step 1: Read your writing aloud to check for sense.
  • Step 2: Revise by adding, moving, or changing words and sentences.
  • Step 3: Edit by fixing spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
  • Step 4: Reread to be sure your writing is clear and correct.
Note

Revising and editing help you grow as a writer and make your work ready to share with others. (Aligned with the USA Common Core standard)

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