Editing Workshop
Learn
Strong writers know that good writing is rewriting. In this workshop, you will learn to edit your own work and the work of others with a focus on vocabulary choices. This skill directly prepares you for SAT and ACT writing sections, where you will often need to select the best word or phrase.
The Editing Process for Vocabulary
Step 1: Read for Meaning First
Before focusing on individual words, make sure the overall meaning is clear. Ask yourself: Does each sentence communicate its intended idea?
Step 2: Identify Weak Word Choices
Look for words that are:
- Vague: thing, stuff, good, bad, nice, a lot
- Repeated: the same word used multiple times when variety would improve the text
- Informal: words that are too casual for academic writing
- Imprecise: words that do not capture the exact meaning
Step 3: Consider Alternatives
For each weak word, brainstorm 2-3 alternatives. Consider:
- Does this word fit the context?
- Does it match the tone of the writing?
- Is it more precise than the original?
- Do I know how to use it correctly?
Step 4: Verify Your Changes
After replacing words, reread the sentence to ensure it still makes sense and flows naturally.
Common Vocabulary Editing Situations
| Weak Word | Possible Replacements | When to Use Each |
|---|---|---|
| good | effective, beneficial, valuable, excellent | Choose based on what makes something "good" in context |
| bad | harmful, detrimental, ineffective, problematic | Match the type of negativity being described |
| shows | demonstrates, reveals, indicates, illustrates | Consider how strongly the evidence supports the point |
| says | argues, claims, asserts, suggests, maintains | Reflect the author's level of certainty |
| thing | factor, element, aspect, component, feature | Use the most specific term that applies |
Examples
Study these editing examples to see the process in action.
Example 1: Editing for Precision
Original: The experiment had a big effect on the results.
Problem: "Big" is vague. How was the effect significant?
Edited: The experiment had a substantial effect on the results.
Alternative: The experiment had a measurable effect on the results.
Note: "Substantial" emphasizes size; "measurable" emphasizes that it can be quantified. Choose based on what the writer means.
Example 2: Editing for Formality
Original: The author totally disagrees with the other guy's point.
Problems: "Totally" is informal; "other guy" is too casual
Edited: The author fundamentally disagrees with the opposing scholar's argument.
Note: The edited version maintains the same meaning while using appropriate academic language.
Example 3: Editing for Variety
Original: The study shows that exercise is important. Another study shows that diet is also important. This shows that health involves many factors.
Problem: "Shows" appears three times; "important" appears twice
Edited: The study demonstrates that exercise is essential. Additional research indicates that diet is equally significant. These findings reveal that health involves multiple contributing factors.
Example 4: Editing for Accuracy
Original: The data proves that climate change is happening.
Problem: In academic writing, "proves" is often too strong. Scientific conclusions are typically stated with appropriate caution.
Edited: The data strongly suggests that climate change is occurring.
Alternative: The data provides compelling evidence that climate change is occurring.
Practice
Edit the following passages to improve vocabulary choices. Look for vague, informal, repetitive, or imprecise words.
Practice 1
Edit this sentence by replacing the underlined word:
"The scientist did a lot of stuff to prepare for the experiment."
Choose the best replacement: A) things B) preparations C) items D) work
Practice 2
Edit this sentence by replacing the underlined word:
"The essay was really persuasive."
Choose the best replacement: A) very B) highly C) so D) totally
Practice 3
Edit this sentence by replacing the underlined word:
"The author talks about the importance of education."
Choose the best replacement: A) speaks about B) discusses C) says about D) tells about
Practice 4
Rewrite this sentence to eliminate vague language:
"There are a lot of things that make this a good argument."
Practice 5
Rewrite this sentence to sound more formal:
"The writer kind of disagrees with what the other people think about the problem."
Practice 6
Edit this paragraph to reduce repetition (the word "important" appears too many times):
"Sleep is important for students. It is important because the brain needs rest. Getting enough sleep is important for memory. This is why experts say sleep is so important."
Practice 7
Which revision best improves this sentence?
Original: "The book is about how people change."
A) The book is about how people get different.
B) The book explores the theme of personal transformation.
C) The book talks about people changing a lot.
D) The book is concerning changes in people.
Practice 8
Identify and correct the misused word in this sentence:
"The speaker attempted to illicit a strong emotional response from the audience."
Hint: "Illicit" means illegal. What word means to draw out or evoke?
Practice 9
Edit this paragraph to improve its academic tone. Change at least four words or phrases:
"The writer gets into how social media is bad for teens. He says it messes with their self-esteem and stuff. Lots of studies back this up."
Practice 10
Choose the best word to complete this sentence:
"Although the theory was initially rejected, subsequent research _______ its validity."
A) showed B) confirmed C) said D) proved
Practice 11
Which sentence uses the most precise vocabulary?
A) The storm caused a lot of damage to the town.
B) The storm was really bad for the town.
C) The storm devastated the town's infrastructure.
D) The storm did terrible things to the town.
Practice 12
Edit this conclusion paragraph from a student essay. Improve at least three vocabulary choices:
"In the end, this essay showed that recycling is good. When people recycle, it helps the environment. Everyone should think about this and try to do more recycling because it would be nice for the planet."
Check Your Understanding
1. What are four types of weak word choices you should look for when editing?
2. Why is it important to read for overall meaning before focusing on individual word choices?
3. What questions should you ask when considering alternative word choices?
4. Why should you verify your changes by rereading the sentence after editing?
Next Steps
- Apply the editing process to a piece of your own writing
- Exchange papers with a classmate and edit each other's vocabulary choices
- Create a personal list of "weak words" you tend to overuse
- Continue to the final lesson: Unit Checkpoint