Revision is rethinking, but two misconceptions are by
no means uncommon among writers, especially among
developing writers. First, many a writer mistakenly equate 【M1】______
revision with editing and proofreading. Editing means revising
for "surface errors" --mistakes in spelling, grammar, punctuation,
sentence tense, and word choice. Certainly, good writers comb their
papers through such errors, and they edit their prose extensively for 【M2】______
clarity, conciseness, and emphasis, too. Proofreading to search
out and destroy errors and typos that distort meaning or distract
reader is also important. Without question, both editing and 【M3】______
proofreading are essential to a polished paper. But revision is not limited
to such activities. It includes them but also encompasses those large, global 【M4】______
changes writers may make in purpose, focus, organization, and development.
Writers who revise effectively not only change words and catch mechanical errors
but also typically add, delete, rearrange, and rewrite large chunks of prose, too.【M5】______
In other words, revision is not cosmetic surgery on the body that may
need major resuscitation. Another misconception about revision is 【M6】______
that some people regard revising as the repeat performance of a
job did poorly the first time. But this attitude is not productive. 【M7】______
Revising is not punishment for failing to produce a perfect first draft.
Rarely, if ever, does someone--even our most admired professional 【M8】______
writers--produce the results they want with revising. 【M9】______
Remember that revising is not a tacked-on stage nor is it merely a
quick touch-up; it is an integral part of the entire writing process itself.
It is an ongoing opportunity to discover, remember, reshape, or 【M10】______
refine your ideas.
【M1】