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Now you have written a draft of your essay, you are ready to edit it. Editing is best carried out in stages from argument through to expression. The four-stage approach comprises a series of questions that you can ask yourself to help with the editing process.

Edit for argument

• Is your thesis statement clear?
• Does it take a position and outline your supporting argument?
• Does it answer the essay question?
• Are your key reasons signposted in the introduction?
• Are they summarised in the conclusion?

Edit for structure

• Is your argument sustained through the essay body?
• Do your topic sentences contribute to your argument?
• Are your paragraphs in a logical order?
• Does the order of your reasons in the introduction match the order of your paragraphs in the body?

Edit for paragraphing

• Does each paragraph have a topic sentence and one main idea?
• Do your paragraphs have too much evidence and analysis? If so, should they be split?
• Are your quotations accurate?
• Is the evidence you use correctly cited?

Edit for expression

• Do your sentences flow together?
• Are there any long sentences that could be shortened?
• Are there any redundant phrases or areas of repetition that could be cut?
• Have you eliminated spelling and grammatical errors?
• Is the essay formatted according to the course requirements?