As you revise your paper, ask yourself the following questions:

 Is it clear what this paper is about?

 Does the paper consistently pursue its main focus?

 Is there a logical organization inherent within the paper?

 Does each paragraph lead to the next?

 Does each paragraph fulfill a logical function?

 Is enough information included so the topic is clear to the reader?

 Is the focus of the essay narrow enough to avoid a superficial treatment?

Is each point clearly stated, well supported, and adequately developed?

Does the paper fulfill the assignment?

Revision strategies:

 Read the paper aloud, even if you are the only listener.

 Write one paragraph explaining to a 10-year-old child what the paper is about. Then make sure that everything in the paper is relevant to that paragraph.

 Outline what you have actually written, not what you intended to write. Examine the outline for the structure embedded in your essay. 

If you are attempting to write about several subtopics, check that each receives approximately the same amount of space and development.

 Let the draft cool off for at least several hours. You will come back to it with fresh eyes. 

Enlist as many readers/responders as you can. The more people who read your draft, the stronger will be your sense of what the reader needs to know.