As a writer, it can be easy to get attached to your own work, making it difficult to spot errors or content that could be improved. When it comes to argumentative essays, however, revision is absolutely crucial to creating a cohesive and persuasive piece. Here are some tips on how to revise an argumentative essay effectively:
Understand the Purpose of an Argumentative Essay
An argumentative essay is a type of writing in which the writer presents a clear argument and supports it with evidence. The purpose of the essay is to convince the reader to agree with the writer’s stance on a particular issue.
Highlight the Importance of Revision
Revision is important for any type of writing, but it’s especially important for argumentative essays. Revision helps to clarify the writer’s argument, ensure that the evidence presented supports the claims, and eliminate any logical fallacies or inconsistencies.
Different Stages of Revision
There are several stages to revising an argumentative essay:
Step 1: Review the Thesis
The thesis statement is the backbone of an argumentative essay. It should be clear and succinct, and effectively communicate the writer’s argument. When revising an essay, it’s important to ensure that the thesis statement is still relevant, and accurately reflects the content of the essay.
Step 2: Check for Consistency
All of the arguments presented in an argumentative essay should support the writer’s thesis. It’s important to ensure that the evidence presented is relevant, accurate, and supports the argument without contradicting it.
Step 3: Focus on Organization
Organization is key when it comes to argumentative essays. The structure of the essay should be logical and easy to follow, with each paragraph building on the one before it. Be sure to review the order of paragraphs, and ensure that each paragraph has a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Step 4: Review and Edit
The final stage of revising an argumentative essay is to review and edit the draft. This involves checking for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and awkward phrasing. Be sure to make any necessary changes to improve the clarity and concision of the essay.
Detailing Specific Examples
When revising an argumentative essay, it’s important to know the specific changes that can be made to improve the content. Here are some examples:
Rephrase Sentences
Try rephrasing sentences to make them more clear and concise. Eliminating any filler words or phrases that don’t add anything to the argument can help.
Remove Unnecessary Information
Make sure that every sentence helps to advance the argument. Remove any sentences or paragraphs that don’t add anything to the essay.
Rearrange Paragraphs
Consider reordering the paragraphs to create a better flow of ideas. This can help the reader follow the argument with ease.
Seek Feedback
One of the best ways to improve an argumentative essay is by seeking feedback from others. This could be from peers, professors, or writing centers. Incorporating feedback into revisions can help create a more compelling argument.
Key Takeaways
- Revising an argumentative essay is crucial for creating a cohesive and persuasive piece of writing.
- After writing the original essay, it’s important to focus on revising the content into a logical and persuasive argument.
- Revision can include rephrasing sentences, removing unnecessary information, reorganizing paragraphs, and seeking feedback from others.
FAQ
What is an argumentative essay?
An argumentative essay is a type of writing in which the writer presents a clear argument and supports it with evidence in order to convince the reader to agree with their stance on a particular issue.
Why is revision important for argumentative essays?
Revision is important for argumentative essays because it helps to clarify the writer’s argument, ensure that the evidence presented supports the claims, and eliminate any logical fallacies or inconsistencies.
What should I focus on when revising an argumentative essay?
When revising an argumentative essay, it’s important to focus on the organization of the content, refining the thesis statement, checking for logical fallacies or inconsistencies, and ensuring that the evidence supports the claims made in the essay.