Grade: Grade 2 Subject: English Language Arts Unit: Opinion Writing Lesson: 5 of 6 SAT: ExpressionOfIdeas ACT: Writing

Editing Workshop

Learn

Good writers know that the first draft is just the beginning. Editing and revising make your writing better. In this lesson, you will learn how to improve your opinion writing.

What is Revising?

Revising means making your ideas better. When you revise, you ask:

  • Is my opinion clear?
  • Did I give enough reasons?
  • Are my reasons in a good order?
  • Did I use linking words (First, Second, Because, Also)?
  • Does my writing make sense?

What is Editing?

Editing means fixing mistakes. When you edit, you check:

  • Capitals: Does every sentence start with a capital letter? Are names capitalized?
  • Punctuation: Does every sentence end with a period, question mark, or exclamation point?
  • Spelling: Are all words spelled correctly?
  • Grammar: Do subjects and verbs match?

The CUPS Checklist

Use CUPS to remember what to check:

  • C - Capitalization
  • U - Understanding (Does it make sense?)
  • P - Punctuation
  • S - Spelling

Examples

Example 1: Finding Mistakes

Before editing:

"i think dogs are the best pets dogs are fun to play with. they like to run and jump my dog max is my best freind"

After editing:

"I think dogs are the best pets. Dogs are fun to play with. They like to run and jump. My dog Max is my best friend."

What was fixed:

  • Added capital letters at the start of sentences
  • Added periods at the end of sentences
  • Capitalized the name "Max"
  • Fixed spelling of "friend"

Example 2: Making Ideas Stronger

Before revising:

"I like summer. It is hot. You can swim."

After revising:

"I think summer is the best season. First, it is warm and sunny outside. Second, you can swim at the pool or beach. Also, school is out so you can play all day. That is why summer is my favorite time of year!"

What was improved:

  • Added a clear opinion statement
  • Used linking words (First, Second, Also)
  • Added more reasons
  • Added a strong conclusion

Practice

Fix the mistakes and improve the writing in these exercises.

Practice 1: Fix the Capitals

Rewrite these sentences with correct capital letters:

"i believe pizza is the best food. my friend sara agrees with me. we eat pizza every friday."

Practice 2: Add Punctuation

Add the missing periods and question marks:

"I think cats make great pets They are soft and fluffy Do you have a pet I hope you do"

Practice 3: Fix the Spelling

Find and fix the spelling mistakes:

"I beleive reading is importent. Books help you lern new things. Evry kid shuld read."

Practice 4: Complete CUPS Check

Use the CUPS checklist to fix all the mistakes:

"my favrite season is fall the leaves turn colors it is not to hot or to cold i like to jump in leaf piles"

Practice 5: Add Linking Words

Rewrite this paragraph using linking words (First, Second, Also, Because):

"I think we should have longer recess. Kids need to run around. Playing helps us learn better. Fresh air is good for us."

Practice 6: Make It Stronger

This opinion piece needs more details. Rewrite it to make it better:

"I like bikes. Bikes are good. You should ride a bike."

Practice 7: Add a Better Conclusion

This piece is missing a good conclusion. Write one:

"I think everyone should learn to swim. First, swimming is fun. Second, swimming keeps you safe around water. Third, swimming is good exercise."

Your conclusion: ___________________

Practice 8: Partner Edit

Look at the opinion piece you wrote in the last lesson. Use the CUPS checklist to find and fix any mistakes. Then check:

  • Did you state your opinion clearly?
  • Did you give at least 2 reasons?
  • Did you use linking words?
  • Did you write a conclusion?

Practice 9: Fix Everything

This piece has many mistakes. Find and fix them all:

"i think chocolate ice cream is the best it tastes realy good. chocolate is my favrite flavor my mom likes it to"

Practice 10: Before and After

Read this first draft. Then rewrite it with better organization, linking words, and a conclusion:

"Parks are nice. You can play there. There are swings. I like parks. Trees are there."

Practice 11: Create an Editing Checklist

Write your own checklist of things to look for when you edit. Include at least 5 items.

Practice 12: Help a Friend

Pretend a friend wrote this. Give them 3 suggestions to make it better:

"Dogs. I like dogs. Dogs are nice. Dogs play. Dogs are fluffy."

Check Your Understanding

Answer these questions to see how well you understand editing.

  1. What is the difference between revising and editing?
  2. What does CUPS stand for?
  3. Why is it important to use linking words in opinion writing?
  4. What should you check for when editing capitals?

Next Steps

  • Always use the CUPS checklist before you finish a piece of writing
  • Read your writing out loud to catch mistakes
  • Ask a friend or family member to read your writing and give feedback
  • Move on to the Unit Checkpoint to show what you have learned