A Guide for Revision
 

1. Start with your thesis statement.

As author Jack Rawlins notes in his book, The Writer's Way: "The revision tool with the biggest bang for your buck is the thesis statement. Always begin your revision work with it" (73).

Work on crafting the language that explains your definition in a sentence or two. (Remember that thesis statements can be more than one sentence.)

2. Think big picture.

If you are considering a comparison/contrast method of organizing, then list the points in outline form for what you will compare and contrast.

If you're using a process strategy, what are the steps your audience must go through to complete a good college education?

If you want to construct a classification definition, list the features that you believe make up a good college education and explain each.

Having a blueprint allows you to keep your definition focused and cohesive. You can always change up the blueprint as you write, but having a plan gives you a sense of how you move from beginning to the middle to the end.

3. Find your evidence.

There are two primary sources: 

You: tell a story, share an anecdote--even if it hasn't literally happened to you but you had a friend or family member experience an episode that can illustrate a point, use it.

Our seven primary sources: we need at least two, so find ways to integrate a choice quote as an illustration. Remember that when you use these sources, you only need to give author's name, credentials, and then enclose the page number in parentheses.