In “Revision Is Central To Developing Writing”, Doug Downs explains the importance of revision in the writing process. Downs says that many people, especially students, view revision as a sign of a poor first draft. However, he goes on to explain that revision should actually not be viewed this way and should be seen as an essential to the writing process, to improve your ideas. Downs explains in the sentence “…with time between each for reflection, reader feedback, and/or collaborator development” that not only should you reread and revise your own essays, but you should obtain an outside approval or your piece as well (Downs, 66). Having a second set of eyes look over your work is very important because they can catch something you did not, and they can also make sure your point is coming across accurately to others. Downs says writing is rarely, almost never, perfect on the first try. So, instead of being discouraged to revise, you should view it as a chance to build on an already good piece. Every time you re read your piece, you will likely find something you can add or change and you therefor, will be able to build on your piece over time and revisions.
I chose this GIF because I feel like it accurately demonstrates the fact that the information presented is super interesting and helpful, however a lot of people are unaware about.
This piece by Doug Downs is highly comparable to other pieces we have read in class such as “Shitty First Drafts” By Anne Lamott. Her piece goes in depth about how your first draft will likely not be good and more likely be considered a mess. But Downs and Lamott, along with many other writers, explain to each audience how writing takes much time and patience as you will most likely not produce a masterpiece on your first try.
Even the most knowledgeable, experienced writers use the revision process to create their best work. Doug Downs tells his audience that “The expectation of revision…creates both opportunity for, and sometimes directed prompting for, looking at the test again, differently”(Downs, 67). He explains that viewing your writing at a different time and place, can make you read it in a different aspect and therefore understand any changes that can be made. So what if you have already revised your own work and cannot find anything else to be changed? Get another’s opinion. Rather that be a friend, family member, or maybe somebody knowledge in the topic of the essay. Any outside advice on revision will be helpful because they can see things and read things in a way that the author can’t.
I chose this GIF to represent “a second set of eyes”. Obviously it’s a joke and a human should be the one to help revise your work, but it’s cute and funny that a cat is reading in the GIF.
I think I have learned a lot from authors like Doug Downs. I know that the more time you put into your essay, the better it will be. The more revision and work you put into your essay, the better it will be. I learned that your first draft does not need to be nearly perfect, rather it’s just to spill your ideas out and then revise as needed. I have taken very much knowledge from this piece (and others) that will help me in further aspects of school and life. I can use this information when writing my next essay because I will know not to be discouraged when I realize my piece could use some work. I will also know to look for a second pair of eyes to revise my work as well.
