Editing Workshop
Learn
Good writers do not just write - they also edit! Editing means looking at your writing and making it better. Today you will learn how to edit paragraphs to make the main idea clear and the details strong.
Editing Checklist
When you edit a paragraph, ask yourself these questions:
- Is there a clear topic sentence? Can I find the main idea?
- Do all the details support the main idea? Are there any sentences that do not belong?
- Is there a closing sentence? Does the paragraph have a good ending?
- Does the order make sense? Are the sentences in a good order?
- Are there enough details? Does the reader have enough information?
Editing Marks
Writers use special marks when editing:
- Cross out - Draw a line through words or sentences to remove them
- Caret (^) - Shows where to add new words
- Circle - Marks something to fix or check
Examples
Example 1: Remove a Sentence That Does Not Belong
Before editing:
Frogs are amazing animals. They can jump very far. Frogs have smooth, wet skin. My sister likes to draw. Most frogs live near water. Baby frogs are called tadpoles.
Problem: "My sister likes to draw" does not belong. It is not about frogs!
After editing:
Frogs are amazing animals. They can jump very far. Frogs have smooth, wet skin. My sister likes to draw. Most frogs live near water. Baby frogs are called tadpoles.
Example 2: Add a Topic Sentence
Before editing:
You can build sandcastles. The waves are fun to jump over. You can find seashells. The sun feels warm on your skin.
Problem: There is no topic sentence! What is this paragraph about?
After editing:
The beach is a wonderful place to visit. You can build sandcastles. The waves are fun to jump over. You can find seashells. The sun feels warm on your skin.
Example 3: Add More Details
Before editing:
I like apples. They are good. Apples are my favorite.
Problem: Not enough details! Why does the writer like apples?
After editing:
I like apples. They are crunchy and sweet. Red apples taste the best to me. I eat an apple for a snack every day. Apples are my favorite fruit!
Practice
Read each paragraph and fix the problems. Write your edited version or describe what you would change.
Practice 1: Find and Remove
Cross out the sentence that does not belong.
Butterflies are beautiful insects. They have colorful wings. Butterflies drink nectar from flowers. I had pizza for lunch. Some butterflies travel very far to stay warm.
Which sentence does not belong? _______________________________________________
Practice 2: Add a Topic Sentence
Write a topic sentence for this paragraph.
_______________________________________________. You can play on the swings. There is a big slide to go down. Kids play tag on the grass. The sandbox has toys to dig with.
Practice 3: Add a Closing Sentence
Write a closing sentence for this paragraph.
Rainy days can be fun. You can splash in puddles. It is fun to listen to the rain on the roof. You can stay inside and read books. _______________________________________________
Practice 4: Add More Details
This paragraph needs more details. Add 2-3 sentences.
My mom is the best. She takes care of me. I love my mom.
New details to add:
1. _______________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________
Practice 5: Fix Two Problems
This paragraph has TWO sentences that do not belong. Find them both.
Cats make great pets. They are soft and cuddly. My favorite color is blue. Cats purr when they are happy. Some cats like to chase toys. I am seven years old. Cats are easy to care for.
Sentence 1 that does not belong: _______________________________________________
Sentence 2 that does not belong: _______________________________________________
Practice 6: Put in Order
These sentences are mixed up. Number them 1-5 to put them in the best order.
- ___ Then I put on my clothes.
- ___ First, I wake up when my alarm goes off.
- ___ I have a busy morning routine.
- ___ Finally, I eat breakfast and brush my teeth.
- ___ Next, I wash my face.
Practice 7: Edit a Whole Paragraph
This paragraph has several problems. Rewrite it to make it better.
Ice cream is good. It is cold. I like dogs. Ice cream comes in many flavors. I like chocolate.
Problems to fix:
- Remove the sentence that does not belong
- Add more interesting details
- Add a closing sentence
Rewrite the paragraph:
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Practice 8: Edit Your Own Writing
Look at a paragraph you wrote in the last lesson (Writing Application). Use the editing checklist to make it better.
My Editing Checklist:
- [ ] I have a clear topic sentence
- [ ] All my sentences support the main idea
- [ ] I removed sentences that do not belong
- [ ] I have enough details
- [ ] I have a closing sentence
- [ ] My sentences are in a good order
Check Your Understanding
Answer these questions about editing.
- What does it mean to edit your writing?
- Why should you remove sentences that do not belong?
- What should you do if your paragraph does not have enough details?
- Why is it important to read your writing again after you finish?
Sample Answers
Practice 1: "I had pizza for lunch" does not belong.
Practice 2: Example topic sentence: "The park is a fun place to play."
Practice 3: Example closing: "I think rainy days are great!"
Practice 5: "My favorite color is blue" and "I am seven years old" do not belong.
Practice 6: Order: 3, 1, 5, 4, 2 (or: 1-I have a busy morning routine, 2-First I wake up, 3-Next I wash my face, 4-Then I put on my clothes, 5-Finally I eat breakfast)
Next Steps
- Practice editing writing at home
- Ask a family member to help you find sentences that do not belong
- Continue to the next lesson: Unit Checkpoint