Unit Checkpoint
Unit Review
This checkpoint assesses your understanding of all concepts covered in the Editing for Concision unit. Before beginning, review these key skills:
Skills Covered in This Unit
- Eliminating Wordiness: Removing unnecessary words and phrases
- Precision in Language: Choosing specific, accurate words
- Text Practice: Applying concision to full passages
- Writing Application: Drafting concisely from the start
- Editing Workshop: Using systematic editing processes
Key Concepts to Remember
- Concision is not about making writing shorter; it is about making every word count
- Redundancy, filler phrases, and weak constructions obscure meaning
- Precise word choice can replace multiple vague words
- The four-pass editing method: Structure, Sentences, Words, Read-aloud
- Preserve voice and essential detail while cutting unnecessary words
Review Examples
Example: Complete Revision Process
Original (58 words):
"In my personal opinion, I believe that the reason why so many students struggle with writing essays is due to the fact that they do not receive adequate instruction in how to organize their thoughts and ideas in a clear and logical manner that makes sense to the reader."
Revised (18 words):
"Many students struggle with essays because they lack instruction in organizing ideas clearly and logically."
Techniques applied:
- Removed opinion phrases ("In my personal opinion, I believe that")
- Replaced "the reason why...is due to the fact that" with "because"
- Cut redundancy ("thoughts and ideas," "clear and logical manner that makes sense")
- Changed passive voice to active
Checkpoint Assessment
Complete all items to assess your mastery of this unit.
1. Revise this sentence by eliminating wordiness: "At this point in time, it is absolutely essential and necessary that we take immediate action to address the problem."
2. Replace the vague word with a precise alternative: "The scientist did things to test the hypothesis."
3. Identify and fix the redundancy: "The unexpected surprise caught everyone off guard."
4. Revise this wordy phrase to three words or fewer: "in spite of the fact that"
5. Edit this passage for concision (target: under 30 words):
"There are many different factors that contribute to success in school. One of the most important factors is the amount of time students spend studying. Another factor is getting enough sleep each night."
6. What is wrong with this sentence? Fix it: "The essay was written by the student and the student submitted it on time."
7. Combine these three sentences into one concise sentence: "Shakespeare wrote many plays. The plays explored human nature. They are still performed today."
8. Identify the buried lead and rewrite: "When considering the many aspects of education, one thing becomes clear. There are challenges. There are also opportunities. However, the most important factor is teacher quality."
9. Apply the appropriate editing mark (WDY, RED, CUT, COMB) to each underlined section:
"Basically, the author makes the point that climate change is a serious and significant issue. She provides evidence. The evidence supports her claim."
10. Write a concise thesis statement (under 20 words) arguing that schools should or should not require community service for graduation.
11. Revise this conclusion to be more concise and effective:
"In conclusion, as I have shown in this essay, there are many reasons why recycling is important. I discussed how it helps the environment, saves resources, and reduces landfill waste. Therefore, everyone should recycle."
12. Read this paragraph and perform a complete four-pass edit. Write your revised version:
"The Industrial Revolution was a period of time in history that brought about many changes to society. During this time period, new machines were invented and created. These machines changed the way that goods were produced and manufactured. People moved from rural farm areas to urban city areas to work in factories. This was a very significant time period that had a major impact on the modern world that we live in today."
Answer Key
Question 1:
Show Answer
"We must act now to address the problem." (or similar concise version)
Question 2:
Show Answer
"The scientist conducted experiments to test the hypothesis." (or other specific verb like "designed," "ran," "performed")
Question 3:
Show Answer
"The surprise caught everyone off guard." (Surprises are by definition unexpected.)
Question 4:
Show Answer
"although" or "despite"
Question 5:
Show Answer
"Academic success depends on study time and adequate sleep." (or similar, under 30 words)
Question 6:
Show Answer
Redundant subject. Fix: "The student wrote and submitted the essay on time."
Question 7:
Show Answer
"Shakespeare's plays, which explore human nature, are still performed today."
Question 8:
Show Answer
"Teacher quality is the most important factor in education, despite its many challenges and opportunities."
Question 9:
Show Answer
"Basically" = CUT; "serious and significant" = RED; last two sentences = COMB
Question 10:
Show Answer
Sample: "Schools should require community service because it builds empathy and civic responsibility." (Answers will vary but should be direct and under 20 words.)
Question 11:
Show Answer
"Recycling protects our environment, conserves resources, and reduces landfill waste. These benefits make recycling essential for everyone."
Question 12:
Show Answer
"The Industrial Revolution transformed society through new manufacturing machines. As people migrated from farms to factory cities, the modern economy took shape." (Reduced from 82 words to 26 words)
Next Steps
- Review any questions you found challenging
- Apply concision skills to your next writing assignment
- Continue developing your editing eye by reading published essays and noting how professional writers achieve clarity
- Proceed to the next unit when ready