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Writing a text is only the first step in the communication process. Equally important is the editing stage, which allows you to make your work clearer, more persuasive, and better structured. Whether you are preparing an academic essay, a professional report, or a publication, knowing how to formulate an effective revision request can significantly improve the quality of the final product. In this essay, we will examine why clear requests are important, how to formulate them, what to ask for, and provide practical examples showing the impact of specific feedback on a text.
Why a Proper Revision Request Is Important
Editing is not just about correcting grammatical mistakes. It is an opportunity to clarify ideas, make the text more persuasive and understandable for the reader, and convey your message as effectively as possible. A clear revision request serves as a roadmap for the editor, indicating what exactly needs attention.
For example, instead of a vague “Make the introduction better,” it is much more effective to write: “Please rewrite the introduction so that it includes a compelling hook and a clear statement of the main idea.” This approach helps the editor understand exactly what needs to be changed, reduces the risk of multiple revisions, and saves time for both the author and the editor.
A proper revision request also helps to:
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Focus the editor’s attention on the text’s priority areas.
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Reduce subjective edits when the editor works according to their own judgment.
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Achieve a consistent style and logical structure throughout the text.
Additionally, it contributes to improving argumentation and ensures coherence of ideas throughout the text.
Key Elements of a Revision Request
To make a revision request as effective as possible, you should consider several key aspects:
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Purpose of the request: clarify what you want to achieve — strengthen the argument, improve structure, refine style.
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Specific areas of focus: identify parts of the text that need work — introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion, or individual arguments.
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Desired style and tone: specify the style and tone you prefer (formal, persuasive, conversational, etc.).
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Structural adjustments: indicate if there are problems with the logical flow, paragraph transitions, or organization of ideas.
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Grammar and syntax: note any concerns about sentence structure, punctuation, or word choice.
It is very important not to overload the request with details. The optimal approach is to provide specific instructions for each significant part of the text.
To illustrate how this works in practice, here is a “before/after” table showing how specific changes improve the text:
| Section | Issue | Requested Change | Before | After |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction | Weak hook | Make the opening more engaging | “Many people think technology is important.” | “Technology shapes our future, yet few understand the hidden challenges it brings.” |
| Body Paragraph 1 | Unclear argument | Clarify the main idea and add example | “Writers should revise to improve style.” | “Revising helps writers make their text clearer and easier to read. For example, replacing passive sentences with active ones makes the text more engaging.” |
| Body Paragraph 2 | Lack of evidence | Add data and facts | “Some people find it hard to make revisions.” | “Research shows that 60% of writers struggle with revisions due to unclear feedback (Johnson, 2023).” |
| Conclusion | Abrupt ending | Summarize key points and provide recommendation | “In conclusion, revising is important.” | “Thus, revising improves clarity, style, and persuasiveness. Writers should request specific feedback to maximize the quality of edits.” |
Examples of Specific Requests and Their Effects
To understand how revision requests work, let’s look at some practical examples.
Example 1 – Introduction
Before: “The rapid development of technology has changed many aspects of society. These changes affect how people communicate, work, and live.”
After: “The rapid development of technology has fundamentally transformed communication methods, reshaped workplaces, and redefined daily life. From instant messaging to remote work, technology changes how we interact and operate both personally and professionally.”
Revision request: “Enhance the introduction by including specific examples of how technology affects communication, work, and daily life.”
Example 2 – Argument
Before: “Many people believe technology makes life easier. But there are negative effects.”
After: “While technology is often praised for simplifying tasks and increasing efficiency, growing attention is being paid to its potential negative consequences, such as privacy issues, job displacement, and social isolation.”
Revision request: “Make the argument more balanced by highlighting both the benefits and drawbacks of technology.”
Example 3 – Conclusion
Before: “In conclusion, technology has changed the world.”
After: “Thus, while technology has undoubtedly transformed the world, it is important to approach its use thoughtfully to ensure it serves humanity’s best interests.”
Revision request: “Strengthen the conclusion by emphasizing the need for responsible use of technology and summarizing the key points.”
Tips for Effective Revision Requests
To ensure your request truly helps improve the text, follow these guidelines:
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Be polite but specific. Avoid vague phrases like “Make it better” or “Improve the style.”
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Focus on one key issue at a time. For example, one comment per paragraph is more effective than a long list of all possible changes.
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Use examples and references. Linking to articles, essays, or text fragments helps the editor understand the expected result.
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Specify deadlines. If revisions are urgent, indicate this so the editor can prioritize tasks properly.
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Acknowledge improvements. When the editor makes correct changes, note it to help them understand your preferences for future edits.
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Prioritize your requests. Indicate which changes are most important (e.g., argument logic) and which are secondary (e.g., style, minor edits).
Common Mistakes in Revision Requests
Clients often make the following mistakes:
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Too general: “Make the text better.” The effect is minimal because the editor does not know what to focus on.
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Contradictory instructions: “Make the text more formal but keep it friendly.” This is difficult to implement and can cause confusion.
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Lack of priorities: When everything seems equally important, the editor struggles to allocate attention effectively.
Instead, use specific, prioritized, and consistent instructions:
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“Make the style more formal by removing colloquial expressions and using precise vocabulary.”
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“Strengthen the argument by adding statistics and examples.”
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“Clarify the structure so that each paragraph logically transitions to the next.”
Conclusion
Clear revision requests are the key to high-quality text work. They help the editor focus on important aspects, reduce misunderstandings, and improve the text as a whole. Editing is not just about correcting mistakes; it is an opportunity to make the text more persuasive, clear, and professional.
Using tables with “before/after” examples and specific instructions makes your requests effective, structured, and easy to implement. This approach saves time, enhances the quality of the work, and ensures that the desired outcome is achieved.
By applying this method, each paragraph of your text will be carefully considered, arguments will become more compelling, and the structure will be logical and transparent. This not only improves the quality of writing but also helps the author develop the habit of providing precise and clear instructions, significantly speeding up the editing process in the future.