This is a revision activity you could do with your class on a My Community piece you need to edit. It will help you get a better idea of what you should look for when you are editing, and it will give you a better idea of what you struggle with in your own writing.
First, with your class, make a list of things you typically revise in writing. Example: consistent thesis, clarity, smooth transitions, redundancy, order, length, etc. Avoid things such as grammar and typos. Focus on the big ideas in the editing process.
Second, look for each of these items in your class list in your own writing. Do you need to revise some of these areas? All of these areas? Keep track of what you think you need to do.
Third, give your piece to two friends in your class. Using the class list, have them look for the areas they think you need to work on.
Finally, compare the three lists. What were the similar areas that need to be worked on? Focus on those, and have a conversation with your two friends about what you need to revise. Each of your friends should come up with one solution to each problem area. With these trouble areas and possible solutions in mind, start revising.
[Photo Credit: YWP Photo Library, photo by Kevin Huang]