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Unit 13: Basic Cohesive Paragraph Writing




          13.4.3 The Editing Stage                                                              Notes

          The editing stage is when you check your paragraph for mistakes and correct them.

          1.   Grammar and Spelling
               (a)  Check your spellings.
               (b)  Check your grammar.
               (c)  Read your essay again.

               (d)  Make sure each sentence has a subject.
               (e)  See if your subjects and verbs agree with each other.
               (f)  Check the verb tenses of each sentence.
               (g)  Make sure that each sentence makes sense.
          2.   Style and Organization
               (a)  Make sure your paragraph has a topic sentence.

               (b)  Make sure your supporting sentences focus on the main idea.
               (c)  Make sure you have a closing sentence.
               (d)  Check that all your sentences focus on the main idea.
               (e)  See if your paragraph is interesting.

          13.5 Precis


          A précis is a paragraph written as a short reconstruction. Thus it can be said to be a type of
          summarizing written in the writer’s own words about a text source. A well-written précis should
          be a serviceable substitute for the original work. The goal is to preserve the core essence of the
          work in a manner that is both clear and concise. At a minimum, the précis should include the
          topic or main thesis, the purpose of the research, what was studied, what methods were used,
          what results (or insight) were gained, and a conclusion.

          13.6 Goals of a Précis

          1.   Compress and clarify a lengthy passage, article, or book, while retaining important
               concepts, keywords, and important data.

          2.   Remove what is superfluous and retain the core essence of the work.

          3.   Give a brief description of key terms.
          4.   Give a brief description of methods – an idea of the general approach used by the
               researchers.
          5.   State the purpose of the research or piece of writing (why was it important to conduct this
               research or write on this topic?)
          When finished, the précis should clearly state:

          1.   This is what was studied (argued, discussed).
          2.   This is how it was done (this was the focus).
          3.   This is what was learned.
          4.   This is what it means (why it is important)




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