Editing Problem-Solution Essays
After revising your problem-solution essay, you need to edit it to correct any remaining errors. You'll look closely at sentences, punctuation, capitalization, grammar, usage, and spelling. The following activities will help you edit your essay.
Editing for the Future Tense
When you write about something that hasn’t happened yet, you should add will before the base form of the verb. This will change the sentence to the future tense, expressing action that will happen later. In a problem-solution essay, use the future tense to predict what will result if a solution goes into action.
A school service project will clean and beautify the park.
In this example, the helping verb will shows that the verbs clean and beautify happen in the future.
Use the future tense.
Rewrite the following sentences in the future tense. In some cases, you will have to change the spelling of the main verb. One example is provided for you.
- I caught a butterfly.
I will catch a butterfly.
- I walk home from my neighbor’s house.
- We clean the kitchen.
- Workers painted the walls white.
- My family goes to vacation in Florida.
- My classmates and I perform in a play at the end of the year.
- The rain cools down the pool water.
- What happens next?
Editing to Use Commas in a Series
You can combine three or more similar sentences by creating a series. The series should be connected by commas and a connecting word (and or or).
Short, Choppy Sentences
We will clean the dishes. We will empty the trash can. We will wipe down the counter.
Combined with Commas in a Series
We will clean the dishes, empty the trash can, and wipe down the counter.
Combine sentences to create a series.
Combine each group of sentences with commas and a connecting word. Some words may need to be changed to make the sentence work.
- You can improve your health by exercising. You can eat fruits and vegetables. Another way is taking vitamins.
- We talk. We laugh. We play cards.
- To do well on my test, I will pay attention in class. I will study hard. I will get plenty of sleep.
- The fourth graders play football at recess. The fifth graders play football at recess. The sixth graders football at recess, too.
Editing in Action
When you edit, you check to make sure your essay is correct.
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Paragraph Before Edits
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A verb was changed to the future tense and sentences were combined into a series.
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Paragraph After Edits
Edit with a checklist.
Read each line. When you can answer each question with a yes, check it off.
Checking Grammar and Usage
- Are the correct verb tenses used with actions?
- Are words used correctly (your/you’re, their/they’re, its/it’s)?
- Do subjects and verbs agree in number? (Manny and I were laughing, not Manny and I was laughing.)
- Are sentences complete (no fragments or run-ons)?
Checking Capitalization, Punctuation, and Spelling
- Are first words in sentences capitalized?
- Are commas used correctly in a series?
- Are all first words and proper nouns capitalized?
- Are words correctly spelled?
Publishing a Final Copy
Create a final copy of your writing.
Include your editing changes and read over your work a final time. (If you are working on a computer, spell check your work.)
Reflecting on Your Writing
Reflect on your writing.
Complete the following form to think about what you learned.
