How To Edit A Research Paper In A More Effective Way: Useful Tips
Before you submit your research paper, it’s important to edit it properly first. Most people fail to do it, because they think it means only to correct grammar and spelling mistakes. But the main purpose of editing is to make your text look understandable, logical, and easy to read. Not everyone understands how to do it immediately. That’s why it would be useful for everyone to remember these important tips.
- Don’t edit your text immediately after writing it.
- Check whether your text is coherent.
- Check whether sentences are written clearly.
- Use simple language.
- Don’t be afraid to delete sentences you really like.
- Ask someone else to edit your work.
If you want to edit the paragraph you’ve just written, take a break for half an hour. You can drink a cup of tea or have a walk. A fresh mind always works better, when it comes to editing. If you’re going to edit your whole research paper, it’s better not to look at it for a few days.
Any research paper must flow smoothly. It means that every new sentence has to continue the thoughts given in previous sentences. The same thing is true for paragraphs. Make sure that the structure of your paper is coherent.
For your text to be understandable, you have to look carefully at each sentence. Try to use as few words as possible in your sentences. They must be short and direct. Huge and complicated sentences may confuse a reader, and you don’t want this to happen. Delete all the words from your paper that don’t have an important purpose.
Even if you’re writing a paper on a scientific topic, it’s better to avoid terminology that only scientists would understand. You do not do research in order to boast about new words. Use alternatives that are understandable for everyone. Just make sure that everything looks logical and correct. In cases where you must use an uncommon word, explain what it means.
Sometimes a great sentence itself might not look so good in your current text. Don’t be sentimental about having to rewrite or even delete it. It’s more important for your whole research paper to look good.
You’ll be surprised to see how many things you didn’t notice that may be observed by another person. Having your paper edited by someone else will allow you to look at your work from a different perspective. For some people, it’s the only way to improve their writing skills.