English 1010/Dr. Smith
Editing Exercise (Comparison/Contrast Essay)
We will focus on four levels in this exercise: word, sentence, paragraph, and full text. Do the
following editing exercises in order.
A) First, read through the entire paper, looking only for misspelled words. Circle any words you think
might be misspelled; it’s the job of the writer to check these when he or she gets the paper back.
B) Second, focus on the sentences. Read each sentence on its own. Check whether there are too many
short, simple sentences in the paper. If so, underline those that you think can be combined. Then,
check every use of a comma or semi-colon. Check this very closely and carefully! Use the “big”
rule to see if the writer’s punctuation is accurate. If not, suggest how to fix the problem.
C) Third (and only do this after A and B are fully completed), underline the two things being compared
in the thesis in the introductory paragraph. Then, circle the points of development in the
blueprint. Points should be in the same order in the blueprint and in the body paragraphs/topic
sentences.
D) Use the outline below to check the organization of the essay:
Thesis: _____________________ (A) and _____________________ (B) are being compared.
Blueprint: These two things (A & B) are being compared on the following points of comparison:
1.
(point one) ______________
2.
(point two) ______________
3.
(point three) ______________ (if applicable)
4.
(point four) ______________ (if applicable)
5.
(point five) ______________ (if applicable)
For each body paragraph, answer the following:
Body Paragraph #1 (if applicable):
This is the main point of comparison in the paragraph: _______________
And this main point is mentioned in the topic sentence: YES
Both things being compared are mentioned in the topic sentence:
NO
YES
NO
Body Paragraph #2 (if applicable):
This is the main point of comparison in the paragraph: _______________
And this main point is mentioned in the topic sentence: YES
Both things being compared are mentioned in the topic sentence:
NO
YES
NO
Body Paragraph #3 (if applicable):
This is the main point of comparison in the paragraph: _______________
And this main point is mentioned in the topic sentence: YES
Both things being compared are mentioned in the topic sentence:
Note: Put any additional paragraphs on the back, using the same questions.
NO
YES
NO