Revision is altering what you say (aka ARMS)

1
Revising/editing A LITERARY ANALYSIS

• Revision is altering what you say (aka ARMS)
• Do I follow the elements of blueprint- TAG,
  thread, intro/conclusion elements?
• Is my thesis/claim succinct? Do I then present
  the best examples and arguments to validate it?
• Do I include and set up my excerpts? Do I repeat
  the quote or use it?
• Is there a clear balance of insights/opinions of
  your own, in addition the specific evidence?

• Editing is more about conventions and how you say
  it
• The obvious stuff -periods, title/title, no
  symbols, etc.
• The not so obvious tuff the spell check might not
  catch -homophones, repeated/missing words
• Scan and find all verbs they need to be present
  tense if discussing plot!
• Double check citation rules (in-text and works
  cited, long/block quotes, etc)

2
ARMSa simple way to improve an essay

• A (add)
• Missing task items, excerpts to further argument,
  details/descriptions or any content related items
• R (remove)
• Unnecessary repetitions, unimportant excerpts,
  off task/topic information
• M (move)
• Sentence structure for variety/style, paragraphs
  for emphasis, idea order for a logical flow
• S (substitute)
• Overused words, weak verbs with strong verbs,
  better adjectives, generic wordsfor style and/or
  clarity