Revising a whole argument
Check the structure and evidence before polishing individual sentences.
Before you begin
- Analytical paragraphs
- Synthesis and source attribution
Audit the argument from the reader's perspective
Create a reverse outline by writing one sentence describing the purpose of each existing paragraph. Check whether the sequence answers the question, develops the thesis and addresses important objections. A paragraph that cannot be linked to the argument may need relocation, revision or removal. Structural revision can matter more than a perfectly polished opening sentence.
Revise in purposeful passes
First check the claim and evidence, then paragraph order and transitions, then sentence clarity and mechanics. Confirm quotations and attribution against sources, and make sure the conclusion does not introduce an unsupported new claim. Keep a record of substantive changes so you can explain how the revision improved the reasoning rather than merely altered wording.
Worked example
An essay argues that later bus services improve access, but one paragraph describes the history of bus paint colours. What should revision examine?
Show the worked solution
- State what the paragraph contributes to the access argument.
- If it has no relevant role, remove it or replace it with evidence about service availability.
- Check whether the remaining paragraphs address costs, demand and access rather than assuming the claim is self-evident.
Revise according to argumentative relevance, not the amount of effort already spent writing the paragraph.
Try it yourself
What is the main purpose of a reverse outline?
Common mistakes
- Proofreading cannot fix an argument whose evidence does not support its conclusion.
What can you explain now?
A conclusion claims a policy is proven effective, but the body only describes one short trial. What should be revised?
Compare with the explanation
Narrow the conclusion to the trial's actual findings and limitations.
The strength and scope of the conclusion must match the evidence. Further evidence may justify a stronger claim later, but confident wording alone cannot do so.
After trying it yourself, choose your next review. This is your self-assessment.
Your review choice appears on Today. Sign in to sync it across devices.
Original StudyForA content. AI-assisted checks completed; subject-teacher review is still pending. These lessons are not endorsed by an exam board.
Common Core English language arts standards ↗