Key Terms
Order matters
Revise first, edit second, proofread last. Skipping revision and jumping straight to grammar fixes is the most common mi
Every writing project is shaped by three factors
Purpose, author, and audience. Revisiting these during revision helps you refine the message.
Background Knowledge
What does the audience already know? Do not repeat what they know.
Expectations and Interests
What do they expect to find? What do they not want to read?
Attitudes and Biases
Do they already disagree with you? If so, you need to work harder to address their concerns and establish credibility.
Demographics
Age, education level, cultural background, professional context. All of these affect what you need to explain, prove, an
Formal tone
No slang. No "lit," "lowkey," or similar.
Active
The lyrics encourage listeners to cast aside their fears.
Passive
Listeners are encouraged by the lyrics to cast aside their fear.
WORDY
Two extremely famous and well-known consumer advocates spoke eloquently.
REVISED
Two well-known consumer advocates spoke.
Gender
Use gender-neutral language. "Police officer" not "policeman." Pluralize when possible to avoid singular pronoun issues.
Stronger introductions
Readers want the big picture early. Give them the thesis and context upfront.
Find your real thesis in your conclusion
The restated thesis in a conclusion is often sharper and more confident than the original. If your conclusion says it be
Rogerian method for resistant audiences
If your audience is likely to disagree, address opposing views early. Show you understand them, then present your rebutt