As noted by an animal rights organization using

As noted by an animal-rights organization, using animals to test… (Smith, 2014).
Generalizations and Biases
One of the most common type of errors for writers is using generalizations and biases. A writer may directly or
indirectly state a claim that implies that “everyone” in that category falls into that claim. This is a generalization.
Incorrect: Kids who are spoiled grow up to be lazy.Correct: Many kids who are spoiled grow up to be lazy.
Also correct: Often kids who are spoiled grow up to be lazy.By adding the word many or the often , the sentence is
now quali±ed rather than implying that all kids are this way. Following are more examples:

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Incorrect: All men need to learn how to better communicate.Correct: Many men need to learn how to better
communicate.Incorrect: Women enjoy talking.Correct: Most women enjoy talking.Incorrect: Americans need to
recycle.Correct: In almost all instances, Americans should recycle on a regular basis. When revising an essay, check
for generalizations and correct them with quali±ers, or rewrite those sentences.
Bias is when a writer allows his or her personal opinions/views to cloud language or arguments. A thesis should be
argumentative; however, those arguments should be written using logical appeal. When revising for bias, look for
words or sentences that seep into personal emotion, or where sources are from biased sources. For example, the
word mankind attempts to refer to all humans; however, humankind, the human race, and humanity are less
gender-biased options.
Conclusion Content and Style
An essay conclusion should re-state the thesis in a unique way and leave readers with a critical concept or change to
think about, consider, and/or change their mind. When revising the conclusion:
Avoid unnecessarily repeating information that does not need to be repeated.
Avoid adding new information or support.
Make sure the paragraph is not too underdeveloped or too long.
Focus on “wrapping up” the essay in a memorable way.
See if there are any genre-speci±c elements that may be useful in the conclusion.
Essay Instruction Requirements
During revision it is important to check that all of the instructor’s speci±c essay requirements have been met. This
might include:
Word count
Number of sources required
Type of genre written
Whether or not the use of ±rst person and personal examples are allowed
Paper format and layout
If graphics/visuals can or should be used
Editing
Editing—or proofreading—is the process by which a writer looks for “small picture” items such as grammar and
mechanics .
Editing Tips
Some of the best techniques to do ±rst include:
Run the Microsoft Word spelling/grammar check. Write essays in Microsoft Word (since they are due in this
format), and when arriving at the editing process, run the spelling/grammar check.

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Microsoft has many tutorials on its website that show how to use the spell-check function in Microsoft
Word.