Writing: Editing

S.C.R.A.D.

 

Today's Snack: There's an Internet rumor going around that "baby carrots" have chlorine on them - the same chemical put in swimming pools. But that's not true. Apparently, there is a trace amount of chlorine - 4 parts per million parts - in the water used to wash baby carrots to clean bacteria. But, since chlorine is a gas, it evaporates within a day. It's not a health risk or poison at all. Baby carrots are not really small carrots: they are "milled," or carved, from full-size carrots that are crooked or otherwise not very attractive. So have some today, dipped in ranch dip or your favorite dip, with a glass of . . . what else? . . . carrot juice.

 

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Supplies:

Ask each student to bring a writing sample -

preferably, one that he or she is NOT happy with -

and make sure that no names are on any writing samples,

but you can use a confidential numbering system

so each student will get his or hers back

 

 

            A really easy and fun way to remember the key tasks of editing is this:

 

 

 

S.C.R.A.D.

 

Substitute (words, ideas)

 

Correct (errors in spelling, grammar, and facts)

 

Rearrange (move sentences or words elsewhere if the move makes the writing clearer)

 

Add (words or details or sentences to improve the clarity and interest)

 

Delete (unnecessary words or sentences)

 

 

 

            Now exchange writing samples -- anonymously, if you wish - and use the S.C.R.A.D. system to edit each other's papers.

 

            Underline anything that you would rewrite, and rewrite it above the line.

 

            Turn in the S.C.R.A.D.'ed papers . . . and next time, try to write so that your need for S.C.R.A.D. will be minimized!