Lesson 8.6: Editing, Presenting and Submitting the Project

Introduction

In this lesson, students will explore the final stages of the Extended Research Project: editing, presenting, and submitting the project. By the end of this lesson, students should be able to revise their work critically, proofread for language accuracy, conduct a final referencing check, and present their project in an appropriate format for submission.

Learning Objectives:

Revise the whole project for argument, structure, and evidence.
Proofread for language accuracy and consistency.
Conduct a final referencing check, ensuring every citation is matched and formatted correctly.
Understand presentation conventions, including title page, contents, headings, formatting, and word count.
Prepare a submission-ready document.

H2: Revising the Whole Project

Revising is a crucial step in the research process. It involves looking at the entire project critically, focusing on the argument, structure, and evidence presented throughout. This stage is not merely about fixing grammar or spelling but about ensuring the content is coherent, logical, and compelling.

Understanding the Argument

When revising your project, first identify the central argument or thesis statement. This is the guiding thread throughout your research. Make sure that:

Every section of your paper supports this argument.
The argument is clearly articulated in the introduction and re-emphasized in the conclusion.

Example: If your thesis is: "Social media significantly affects interpersonal communication skills among teenagers," ensure each point made in your project ties back to this assertion.

Structure and Organization

The structure of your paper should lead the reader through your arguments in a logical sequence.

Use headings and subheadings to organize your work clearly.
Check for flow, ensuring that each paragraph transitions smoothly into the next. You might use phrases like, "In addition," or "Conversely," to link ideas.

Worked Example: Consider the following structure:

Introduction – Clearly state your thesis.
Body Section 1 – Discuss the positive effects of social media.
Body Section 2 – Explore the negative impacts.
Conclusion – Summarize findings and restate the thesis with a forward-looking statement.

Ensure that each section logically connects to the one before and after it, reinforcing your argument.

H2: Proofreading for Language Accuracy

Proofreading focuses on checking the final draft for grammatical errors, punctuation mistakes, and stylistic inconsistencies. This is essential to ensure your work is polished and professional.

Tips for Effective Proofreading

Take a Break: After you finish writing, set your paper aside for a few hours or a day. Coming back to it with fresh eyes will help you spot mistakes more easily.
Read Aloud: Hearing your sentences can help identify awkward phrasing or unclear meanings.
Check Common Errors: Be aware of your common mistakes. Do you frequently misuse commas? Always confuse "their," "there," and "they're"? Focus on these areas during proofreading.

Worked Example: Instead of writing, "Social media are affecting communication," revise to: "Social media has been affecting communication." This correction addresses both grammatical agreement and clarity.

H2: Final Referencing Check

Making sure your references are accurate is vital for credibility. Every source cited in your project must be included in your reference list, and every entry in your reference list should correspond to a citation in your text.

Steps for a Reference Check

Cross-Check Citations: Go through each citation in your paper and check that it appears in your reference list.
Verify Formatting: Ensure each reference is formatted according to the required style guide (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.). This includes proper order of elements, correct punctuation, and italicization where necessary.
Use Citation Tools: Consider using tools like citation generators or reference management software to streamline the formatting process.

Worked Example: For an APA style citation, ensure you have:

Author’s last name, first initial, (Year). Title of the work. Publisher.

Correctly formatted, it would look like this:

Doe, J. (2020). Understanding Social Media: Impacts on Youth Communication. Social Press.

H2: Presentation Conventions

Finally, presenting your work correctly is essential for submitting an academic project. Adhering to formatting standards demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism.

Key Presentation Elements

Title Page: Include the title of your project, your name, the course name, instructor’s name, and submission date.
Table of Contents: Clearly list the sections of your paper, including page numbers.
Headings and Subheadings: Use headings to introduce sections of the paper, making it easier for readers to navigate.
Word Count: Some assignments have specific word count requirements. Make sure you include a word count on the title page if required.
Formatting: Set your document to consistent margins, font type, and size. Generally, use a standard font like Times New Roman, size 12, with double spacing.

Worked Example: Here’s an example of a title page formatted according to common standards:

The Impact of Social Media on Youth Communication

students

Course Name

Instructor's Name

Date

H2: Conclusion

In this lesson, students learned the importance of revising, proofreading, conducting a final referencing check, and adhering to presentation conventions. Mastering these skills ensures that your Extended Research Project is well-organized, accurate, and ready for submission, reflecting the hard work and knowledge you have acquired throughout your studies.

Study Notes

Revising involves checking the argument, structure, and evidence.
Proofreading focuses on correcting language errors and ensuring consistency.
Every citation must match an entry in the reference list, properly formatted.
Presentation conventions include a title page, table of contents, and correct formatting.
Prepare a submission-ready document to reflect professionalism and academic integrity.