Grade: Grade 7 Subject: English Language Arts Unit: Grammar Mastery Lesson: 5 of 6 SAT: StandardEnglishConventions ACT: English

Editing Workshop

Learn

Welcome to the Editing Workshop. In this lesson, you will practice editing longer passages for grammar errors, simulating the kind of work you will do on standardized tests and in real-world writing situations.

The Art of Editing

Editing differs from proofreading. While proofreading focuses on surface errors (spelling, punctuation), editing involves improving clarity, coherence, and correctness at the sentence and paragraph level.

Editing Strategies for Grammar

  • The Sentence-by-Sentence Method: Read each sentence in isolation to catch errors your brain might auto-correct in context
  • The Backward Read: Start from the last sentence and work backward to focus on grammar rather than content
  • The Focus Read: Make multiple passes, each focused on one type of error
  • The Aloud Read: Read the passage aloud to hear awkward constructions and errors

Common Editing Marks

  • mm = misplaced modifier
  • dm = dangling modifier
  • vt = verb tense error
  • agr = agreement error (subject-verb or pronoun-antecedent)
  • ^ = insert
  • delete symbol = remove

Test-Taking Context

On the SAT and ACT, you will encounter passages with underlined portions. You must decide whether the underlined section is correct or needs revision. The strategies you practice here directly apply to those tests.

Examples

Practice editing this sample passage.

Sample Passage for Editing

"The science fair project demonstrates how plants respond to different light conditions. Working for three weeks, the experiment was carefully controlled. Maria records her observations daily. She measures plant height, counts leaves, and noted any color changes. By the end, her data clearly showed that plants receiving blue light grew tallest."

Identified Issues:

  1. Sentence 2: Dangling modifier - "Working for three weeks" cannot modify "the experiment." Revision: "Working for three weeks, Maria carefully controlled the experiment."
  2. Sentence 3: Tense shift - "records" is present tense while the passage describes a completed project. Revision: "Maria recorded her observations daily."
  3. Sentence 4: Tense inconsistency - "measures," "counts" (present) vs. "noted" (past). Revision: "She measured plant height, counted leaves, and noted any color changes."

Corrected Passage:

"The science fair project demonstrated how plants respond to different light conditions. Working for three weeks, Maria carefully controlled the experiment. Maria recorded her observations daily. She measured plant height, counted leaves, and noted any color changes. By the end, her data clearly showed that plants receiving blue light grew tallest."

Practice

Edit the following passages. Identify all grammar errors (modifier placement and verb tense consistency) and write the corrected versions.

Passage 1:

"Hiking through the forest, the trail became increasingly steep. The group stops to rest near a stream. They drink water and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature. Continuing their journey, the summit was finally reached by mid-afternoon."

Hint: Look for dangling modifiers and tense shifts.

Passage 2:

"The museum exhibit featured artwork from local students. Displayed on the walls, visitors admired the colorful paintings. Each piece tells a unique story. The students attend the opening night and receive certificates."

Hint: Check modifier placement and verb tense consistency.

Passage 3:

"To prepare for the marathon, daily runs were completed by the athletes. They gradually increase their mileage over several months. Feeling confident, the race day finally arrives. The runners gathered at the starting line, ready for the challenge."

Hint: Multiple grammar issues in this passage.

Passage 4:

"The research team studied ocean currents for five years. Collecting data from around the world, important patterns were discovered. The findings helps scientists understand climate change. Published in a major journal, many people read the team's conclusions."

Hint: Look for subject-verb agreement, modifiers, and tense.

Passage 5:

"After months of practice, the recital was performed by the young pianist. She plays each piece from memory. The audience sat in silent appreciation. When she finishes, they erupted in applause. Her teacher beams with pride."

Hint: Check for passive constructions with dangling modifiers and tense shifts.

Passage 6:

"The documentary explored the history of space exploration. Interviewing astronauts and scientists, fascinating stories were told. The film takes viewers from the early days of NASA to present-day missions. Critics praised the thorough research and stunning visuals."

Hint: Who is doing the interviewing? Check tenses.

Passage 7:

"Determined to succeed, the competition was entered by the robotics club. The team works together to design their robot. They test different configurations and makes adjustments. Finally, their robot performs flawlessly at the event."

Hint: Multiple issues including modifier and subject-verb agreement.

Passage 8:

"The author's new novel became a bestseller. Set in ancient Rome, readers were transported to another time. The story follows a young gladiator's journey. Critics compare the writing to classic historical fiction and recommends it highly."

Hint: Check modifier placement, tense, and agreement.

Check Your Understanding

Answer these questions about editing strategies.

  1. What is the difference between editing and proofreading?
  2. Explain the "backward read" strategy and why it is effective.
  3. Why might an editor make multiple passes through a document, each focused on a single issue?
  4. How does practicing editing skills help with standardized test performance?
  5. What is the first thing you should do when you encounter an underlined portion on the SAT or ACT?

Next Steps

  • Practice editing your own writing using the strategies from this lesson
  • Partner with a classmate to practice peer editing
  • Proceed to Lesson 6: Unit Checkpoint for a comprehensive assessment
  • Review any grammar concepts that remain challenging