汇丰商务英语写作教程（32） 

Welcome to Chapter 8.

In Chapters 2-6, you learned the first four stages of the Writing Process: Plan, Organise, Draft and Revise.

In this chapter, you are going to learn the fifth and final stage: Edit 

l        Plan

l        Organise

l        Draft

l        Revise

l        Edit

Objectives

By the end of this chapter you'll be able to edit your business correspondence so that the words and sentences are correct.

You will also edit the letter you have been writing to Mr Perry.

Editing: Why Do We Do It?

You may be tired of looking at your document by the time you have finished revising it.

However, it's not quite ready to send. You still have to edit the document.

Take a few moments to think about editing... and why it is important. Write your thoughts on a piece of paper.

Why editing is important:
Editing (or proof reading) puts the "finishing touches" on your document. Everything you write gives a lasting impression of your company and you as a writer. So, it's important to check your spelling, punctuation and grammar carefully. Missing commas, misspelled words and inaccurate grammar give a poor impression

Editing: How Do It

The four strategies for editing business correspondence are listed below.

l        Use a dictionary

l        Ask a friend or colleague to help (peer editing)

l        Use a grammar reference book

l        Keep a record of your own "Personal Errors".

You can use the first two strategies to help you edit any business document you write.

You can use the last two strategies to help you improve your skill in using English. As a result, you'll be able to spend less time on editing.