Edit in three passes, each looking for a different problem: missing points, unclear sentences and small errors. One question per pass keeps the job simple.
This lesson closes the skills in the short communicative messages section. It builds on giving a reason and suggestion concisely.
What does each pass look for?
| Pass | Question | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Points | Has every task point been answered? | Add a sentence |
| 2 Clarity | Would the reader understand each sentence first time? | Split or simplify |
| 3 Accuracy | Are spelling, tense and punctuation correct? | Correct the word |
Finish pass 1 completely before you start pass 2. A neatly corrected sentence is wasted if you later find it answers a point that was not needed.
Worked example: an original draft
The task: write to a friend who is moving away. Say you will miss him, suggest a way to keep in touch, and ask for his new address.
Draft.
Hi Kumar,
I am very sad that you are move to Johor, I will miss you very much and I thinking we can call every weekend and also we can play online games together that will be fun.
Write soon. Raj
Pass 1, points. Missing: the request for his new address. Add: “Please send me your new address.”
Pass 2, clarity. The middle sentence carries three ideas. Split it.
Pass 3, accuracy. “you are move” should be “you are moving”. “I thinking” should be “I think”. The comma splice after “Johor” needs a full stop.
Edited message.
Hi Kumar,
I am sad that you are moving to Johor. I will miss you very much.
I think we can call every weekend and play online games together. Please send me your new address.
Write soon. Raj
| Change | Reason |
|---|---|
| Added the address request | Task point that was missing |
| Split the long sentence | One idea per sentence is easier to read |
| “are move” to “are moving” | Present continuous needs the -ing form |
| “I thinking” to “I think” | Think is not used with -ing here |
The mistake that costs marks
The slip is to check only the spelling. A message with perfect spelling can still miss a point or bury its idea in a long sentence.
The repair is to follow the order: points, then clarity, then accuracy. Do not jump to the small errors just because they are easy to see.
Check yourself
Edit this sentence for clarity and accuracy: “I am writing for tell you that the meeting is change to Friday because the teacher he is sick.”
Answer
Edited: “I am writing to tell you that the meeting has been changed to Friday because the teacher is sick.”
Changes: “for tell” becomes “to tell”, “is change” becomes “has been changed” (passive), and the extra “he” is removed. The meaning stays the same.
What to study next
Put all four skills to work on the short messages practice set. If your messages still miss points, return to answering every point in an email task.
If you would like a teacher to mark your drafts with you, see online one-to-one English tuition.