Editing — English definition
Defined in 2 courses:
- Correcting surface-level details such as spelling, grammar, punctuation, and word choice. (English 6)
- Checking and correcting conventions and presentation after meaning is clear. (English 7: Reading, Evidence & Expression)
Where it is taught
- The Writing Process: Plan, Draft, Revise, Edit — Writing, English 6, Grade 6
- Revising & Editing: Improve the Reader’s Experience — Narrative Craft & Complete Novel Study, English 7: Reading, Evidence & Expression, Grade 7
In use
Behind nearly every polished piece is a process with stages — planning, drafting, revising, editing, and finally publishing — and skilled writers move through them on purpose.
The Writing Process: Plan, Draft, Revise, Edit
Revision addresses meaning, evidence, structure, and effect; editing checks sentence conventions, spelling, and presentation.
Revising & Editing: Improve the Reader’s Experience
Questions using editing
Problem 1
- Fixing a misspelled word
- Adding a missing period
- Reordering two paragraphs so the ideas flow more logically
- Changing 'there' to 'their'
Answer and explanation
Reordering two paragraphs so the ideas flow more logically
Reordering paragraphs is a big-picture, organizational change — revising, not a surface-level correction.
Problem 2
Answer and explanation
Revising can cut or move whole sections, so it makes little sense to carefully fix the spelling and punctuation of a sentence that might get deleted or rewritten anyway. Handling the big-picture organization and clarity first means you only spend editing effort on the sentences you already know are staying.
Problem 3
Answer and explanation
Revision 2 changes the unsupported universal claim, adds evidence and addresses a constraint; it is substantive revision. Spelling correction is editing. Fix the reasoning first, then edit the revised wording.
Revision 2 changes the unsupported universal claim, adds evidence and addresses a constraint; it is substantive revision. Spelling correction is editing. Fix the reasoning first, then edit the revised wording.
Response criteria
- Answer the actual question with accurate details.
- Explain how the evidence or language choice supports the conclusion.
- State a relevant limit, alternative or justified revision.
Problem 4
Answer and explanation
Checking and correcting conventions and presentation after meaning is clear. Revision changes meaning, development, organization, or audience fit; editing checks conventions. First identify the reader’s problem. A vague action or unclear motivation needs more than corrected spelling.
Use the model to discuss reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; written work needs human marking.