What are the important steps in the revision process?

I'm sure there are revision "manuals" in existance that
provide a clear step by step process of revision, but I've found in 6 years of teaching
writing, there is a pretty quick and easy way to get the job done.  Revising an essay,
in my opinion, is a two-part process:

1. Content
   revision


2. Mechanical
   revision

There is no point in fixing spelling,
grammar, and capitalization errors if the content of your essay is not there.  When
editing for content, the best thing to do is to grade your own
essay according to the rubric your teacher will use.  If one has not been provided, you
should look at the following four areas (in the order they are presented) by asking
these
questions:

1. Focus:
   does my essay have a focus (or thesis)?  Does every paragraph stay on topic?  From start
   to finish, is it clear what my focus
   is?


2. Organization: does my
   essay have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion?  Does my introduction state (or
   imply) my thesis and the major points outlined in my body paragraphs?  Do my body
   paragraphs start with topic sentences which support my thesis?  Does my conclusion sum
   up my essay without being
   redundant?


3. Support/Elaboration:
   do I provide ample support (or examples) in each of my body paragraphs?  Do I explain
   these examples by elaborating on
   them?


4. Style: have I utilized
   skillful vocabulary that is appropriate for my grade level?  Have I utilized a variety
   of sentences (simple, complex, compound, etc.) and avoided fragments and
   run-ons?

If you feel the
content of your essay from start to finish is ready, mechanical
errors are easy to spot.  I even encourage peer-editing for mechanical errors, as
getting a pair of fresh eyes will really help.