Notes-Revising

Eliminate "Be" Verbs Eliminate "Dead" Words STAR Revisions Surface revisions Deep revisions
 * Example: Please __be__ on time.=Please __arrive__ on time.
 * good, very, things, really, a lot, gonna, got, kind of, like, so and well at start of sentence, I feel, I believe, in my opinion, in conclusion, ...
 * find synonyms for dead words
 * a lot=plethora, countless, innumerable, droves, scores, hordes, umpteen, assorted, several, ...
 * Don't be afraid to use a thesaurus-it will broaden your vocabulary by learning new words to insert in writing (as long as you use them correctly)
 * Check the part of speech to make sure your new word fits.
 * Example: She found many options.
 * She found innumerably options (wrong-you're using an adverb, but you need to use an adjective).
 * She found innumerable options. YAY:) Much better word that is also used correctly.
 * Substitute
 * Take things out
 * Add
 * Rearrange
 * Change words, phrases, sentences
 * Change the focus, sequence, purpose, or point of view

from Kelly Gallagher's //Teaching Adolescent Writers//