Editing Essays
After making big changes to improve your essay, you need to make little changes (editing) to correct any remaining errors. You'll look for problems with sentences, punctuation, capitalization, grammar, usage, and spelling. The following activities will help you edit and publish your writing.
Editing End Punctuation
Sentences end in a period, question mark, or exclamation point. These punctuation marks are like traffic signs because they signal that a sentence has come to a stop. Here are the rules for using these marks.
- Use a period at the end of a statement.
Thirty-five third graders in the school answered two questions.
- Use a question mark at the end of a question.
What is your favorite ocean mammal?
- Use an exclamation point to show strong emotion.
They crack oysters open on rocks on their bellies!
Watch the video "Using End Punctuation"
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Punctuate sentences.
Add the correct end punctuation to each one of these sentences.
Edit for end punctuation.
Be sure the sentences in your essay end with the correct punctuation mark.
Editing to Use Numbers
To explain poll results, you must use a lot of numbers. Follow these rules when writing about numbers.
- Write out the numbers one to nine as words (one, four) and the numbers 10 and over as numerals (10, 21).
- But use words, not numerals, to begin a sentence.
Fifteen students picked Abraham Lincoln.
Check sentences for numbers.
Put a C in the blank if numbers are used correctly in a sentence. If a sentence includes numbers used incorrectly, correct them.
Edit for numbers.
Check the sentences in your essay for the correct use of numbers.
Editing in Action
When you edit, you check your essay to make sure it does not contain errors.
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Paragraph Before Edits
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A number was fixed and a period was changed to a question mark.
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Paragraph After Edits
Edit with a checklist.
Use this checklist as a guide when you edit your writing for errors.
Checking Grammar and Usage
- Are the sentences complete (no fragments or run-ons)?
- Are numbers used correctly?
- Are words used correctly (your, you’re; its, it’s; their, they’re)?
Checking Capitalization, Punctuation, and Spelling
- Are first words in sentences capitalized?
- Are names of people and places capitalized?
- Do sentences end with the correct punctuation?
- Are words spelled correctly?
Publishing Essays
When you publish your essay, you make it public, sharing it with others. First, you need to make a clean final copy of your work. Then you should find ways to share what you have written with classmates, your teacher, your family, and your friends.
Publishing a Final Copy
Create a final copy.
When you write your final copy, include all of your revising and editing changes. Then check your final copy one last time for errors before sharing it. (If you are using a computer, spell check your work.)
Reflecting on Your Writing
Think about your writing.
Complete each of these sentences to help you review your writing.
