Tips for copy editing

This pages gives you tips for editing the content.

Keep the text focused

• Check that all content aligns with the learning goals of the course.
• Check for text duplication: Are the things mentioned in any of the subsections already explained in previous modules / chapters?
• Look for opportunities to condense and prune the text.

Keep quotes short

• Consider using quotes of no more than 2-3 sentences. Otherwise refer briefly to the core issues of the quoted content in your own words. The sources can always be mentioned or linked for those who want to read the original sources word for word.

Amount of detail and tone

• Avoid making your text a catalog of detailed facts.
• Instead, consider striving for a more conversational and thought-provoking interaction with the reader on a more general level.
• Again, more detailed descriptions can be provided by references to outside sources.

Model answers

• In model answers, consider outlining (e.g. with bullet points) the characteristics of a good answer instead of (or in addition to) writing a sample answer. The assessment should remain open to the possibility of several good answers (possibly even leading to opposite conclusions) in the open questions.

Accessibility

• Do not set links to open in a new tab. Moving to a new tab makes it difficult for screen reader users to find their way back to the course material from the external link.