Revise for logic, coherence and tone

Revision is not the same as proofreading. Proofreading fixes spelling and punctuation; revision improves the argument itself. A strong revision pass checks three things in order: Is the logic sound? Does the paragraph flow coherently from one idea to the next? Is the tone appropriate for the audience? Skilled writers work through these checks systematically before they submit.

Step 1 — Logic Check

• Hasty generalization — drawing a broad conclusion from a single or very small example: "My friend failed math, so all kids must be struggling."
• Slippery slope — claiming one action will inevitably lead to an extreme outcome without evidence: "If we allow phones during lessons, no one will ever pay attention again."
• Circular reasoning — the reason simply restates the claim: "This policy is good because it is beneficial."
• False dichotomy — presenting only two options when more exist: "You are either with us or against us."
• Appeal to popularity — something is true because many people believe it: "Everyone thinks this, so it must be correct."

Step 2 — Coherence Check

• Each sentence should connect logically to the one before and the one after.
• Use transition words to signal the relationship: addition (furthermore, in addition), contrast (however, on the other hand), sequence (first, next, finally), cause-effect (therefore, as a result, consequently).
• Avoid jumping between unrelated ideas without a bridge.
• Repeat or echo a key word from the previous sentence to maintain the thread.

Step 3 — Tone Check

• Academic writing requires a formal, measured tone — not emotional, slang-based, or exaggerated.
• Replace intensifiers like "totally", "literally", "ridiculously" with more precise language.
• Avoid second-person address ("you should...") in formal essays; use "people", "readers", or the passive voice.
• Use hedging language (may, might, often, tends to) rather than absolutes (always, never, everyone) — hedging is more honest and harder to dismiss.
• Remove filler phrases like "It is a well-known fact that..." — they waste words without adding meaning.

The Revision Sequence

1. Logic — identify and remove fallacies; make sure each reason genuinely supports the claim.
2. Coherence — add or improve transitions; check that each sentence flows from the previous one.
3. Tone — replace informal, emotional, or absolute language with formal, measured alternatives.
4. Proofread — check spelling, grammar, and punctuation last, once the argument is solid.