Revision by Sommers

Sommers learned that different writers' conceptions of revision follows linear model based on speech by separating the writing process into stages, like Rohman's (prewriting, writing, rewriting) and Britton's ( Conception, incubation, production). Revision then, is understood as a as separate stage at the end of the process, usually after a first or second draft is complete. But, since the linear model bases itself on speech, revision is impossible, rather is only an afterthought. Revision for Rohman's is simply the repetition of writing and for Britton the further growth of what is already there. After further research, Sommers defined the revision process as a sequence of changes in a composition, which are initiated by cues and occur continually throughout the the writing of a work. Sommers research analyzed both students and experienced writers. She found that students writers constantly struggle to bring predefined meaning, view composition in a linear way as series of parts, fail to use reordering and addition, stop revising when there are no more grammatical errors. On the other hand, experienced writers imagine a reader, describe their primary objective when revising as a form or shape of their argument, seeks to create, and they make changes on all levels by using all revision operations.

My conception of revision is not to far from Sommers. I think I am falling in between an experienced and student writer. One of my methods is to add and remove constantly information to express my point, and often I feel that something else could been added. When writing or teaching I plan to use all the techniques and qualities an experienced writer posses... at least I hope so.