Editing Workshop
Learn
This workshop-style lesson provides extended practice with peer editing strategies and self-revision techniques. You will learn how to identify wordiness in others' writing and apply those insights to your own work.
The Editing Process
- First pass - Structure: Check for repeated ideas and unnecessary paragraphs
- Second pass - Sentences: Look for wordy constructions and weak openings
- Third pass - Words: Cut redundant adjectives, adverbs, and filler phrases
- Final pass - Read aloud: Listen for awkward phrasing and unnecessary words
Peer Editing for Concision
When reviewing a peer's work, use these strategies:
- Mark, don't fix: Highlight wordy sections rather than rewriting them
- Ask questions: "What is the main point of this paragraph?" helps writers identify buried leads
- Count words: Challenge the writer to cut a specific percentage
- Identify patterns: Note recurring wordiness habits (e.g., "always starts sentences with 'There are'")
Common Editing Marks for Concision
| Mark | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| WDY | Wordy - can be shortened | "at this point in time" [WDY] |
| RED | Redundant - already stated | "She is smart and intelligent" [RED] |
| CUT | Delete entirely | "Basically," [CUT] |
| COMB | Combine with another sentence | Two short sentences [COMB] |
Examples
Example 1: Marked-Up Paragraph
Original with editing marks:
"[CUT: Basically,] [WDY: In today's modern world,] technology has [RED: completely and totally] transformed education. Students [WDY: now have the ability to] access information [WDY: from anywhere in the world at any time of day]. [CUT: This is very significant.] [COMB: Online resources provide materials. These materials were once only available in libraries.]"
Revised version:
"Technology has transformed education. Students can access information anywhere, anytime. Online resources provide materials once available only in libraries."
Example 2: Self-Editing Checklist Applied
Original (First Draft):
"There are many different reasons why students should learn a second language. First of all, learning a language helps with brain development. In addition to this, it also helps students understand other cultures better. Furthermore, it can help with future job opportunities. All of these reasons show why language learning is important."
After applying checklist:
- Structure pass: Last sentence just repeats opening - cut it
- Sentence pass: "There are" opening is weak; transitions are formulaic
- Word pass: "different," "First of all," "In addition to this," "Furthermore" - all unnecessary
Revised:
"Students should learn a second language for three reasons: brain development, cultural understanding, and career opportunities."
Practice
Complete these workshop activities.
1. Mark this paragraph using the editing symbols (WDY, RED, CUT, COMB):
"Basically, the main reason why exercise is important is because it helps people stay healthy and in good health. Exercise has many benefits that are beneficial. It can help reduce stress levels and also lower anxiety. Additionally, it can improve mood and make people feel happier."
2. This paragraph has a 62-word count. Revise it to under 35 words:
"There are several different factors that contribute to the success of a team. Communication is one important factor that helps teams succeed. Trust between team members is also essential and necessary. Additionally, having clear goals that everyone understands is important. All of these things work together to create successful teams."
3. Identify three patterns of wordiness in this writing sample and suggest fixes:
"I personally believe that homework should be limited. In my opinion, students have too much homework. I think that this causes stress. It seems to me that teachers should assign less homework. I feel that students would benefit from more free time."
4. Apply the four-pass editing process to this paragraph. Write out your observations for each pass:
"Social media has changed how we communicate with each other. Before social media, people had to call or write letters to stay in touch. Now, people can instantly message each other. Social media has truly changed communication. It has made it easier to stay connected with friends and family members who live far away."
5. Read this paragraph aloud. Mark every word where you naturally pause or stumble:
"The reason for the fact that many students struggle with writing is due to the lack of practice that they receive in school. If students were given more opportunities to write, they would become better writers over time."
6. Revise these two sentences into one concise sentence:
"The author uses metaphors throughout the poem. These metaphors help convey the theme of loss."
7. This introduction buries its thesis. Find the thesis and rewrite the paragraph with the thesis first:
"Books have been around for centuries. People have always enjoyed reading stories. In today's world, there are many forms of entertainment. However, reading remains important. Studies show that reading fiction increases empathy in readers."
8. Edit this conclusion that repeats the essay without adding value:
"In conclusion, I have discussed three reasons why volunteering is beneficial. First, I explained that volunteering helps the community. Then, I discussed how it builds skills. Finally, I showed that it improves mental health. As I have shown, volunteering has many benefits."
9. Create a peer feedback note for this paragraph, identifying specific areas to cut:
"The Industrial Revolution was a period of time in history when many changes occurred. These changes happened in manufacturing and production. Factories were built, and people moved from rural areas to cities. This was a significant and important time period that changed society."
10. Take a paragraph from your own recent writing. Apply all four editing passes and reduce the word count by at least 20%.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1: What are the four passes in the editing process for concision?
Show Answer
1) Structure pass (repeated ideas, unnecessary paragraphs), 2) Sentence pass (wordy constructions, weak openings), 3) Word pass (redundant adjectives/adverbs, filler phrases), 4) Read-aloud pass (awkward phrasing, unnecessary words).
Question 2: Why is "mark, don't fix" an effective peer editing strategy?
Show Answer
Marking problems rather than rewriting helps the original writer learn to identify and fix their own wordiness patterns. It also preserves the writer's voice and prevents the peer editor from imposing their own style.
Question 3: What is the difference between the WDY and RED editing marks?
Show Answer
WDY (Wordy) marks a phrase that can be shortened to say the same thing more briefly. RED (Redundant) marks a word or phrase that repeats information already stated elsewhere in the same sentence or paragraph.
Next Steps
- Use the editing marks when reviewing your own work or a classmate's essay
- Practice the four-pass method on your next writing assignment
- Continue to the next lesson: Unit Checkpoint