This assignment was done for module #6 for the discussion Editing for Organization and Structure. 

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We were tasked with exploring the role of developmental editing, specifically with regard to organization and structure.

 

Since the paragraphs and tables are in chronological order, it is vital to maintain consistency and parallelism throughout. In the tables presented in the example, both phases are grouped somewhat in parallel order. Currently, there are three columns – the first column shows the proposed landscaping, the second column shows the square footage, and the third column shows the overall cost. Both tables also have a row showing the total. In visual appearance, both tables seem to have decent parallelism; however, some things can be revised. 

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The images below show the original versions of the tables before my edits. 

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Below is the explanation of my changes for the tables:

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• There was no heading for the first column in either table. A heading should be added, entitled “Proposed Landscaping”.

• The word “Table” in both titles was all capitalized. It should be made sentence-case.

• There should be a colon (or hyphen, or period) added after “Table 1” to help distinguish between this and the actual title.

• The titles should be center-aligned above each table instead of right-aligned.

• Column 1, Row 2 in Table 1 was entitled “Upper level”, but in the corresponding paragraph was entitled “Upper patio”. The table should be revised to state “Upper patio” to match the paragraph.

• The entirety of the Proposed Landscaping column in Table 2 was entitled “Sidewalk #”, with the #’s going from 1-7. In the corresponding paragraphs, it was stated that there would be installation of six sidewalks, and reconstruction of one. The rows in this column should be renamed “Sidewalk installation” and “Sidewalk reconstruction” to match the paragraphs.

  • The Proposed Landscaping column in Table 1 should also be reworded to be consistent with this change to Table 2 (add “installation” to each row in this column for clarification).

• Neither table had borders. They should be added to help differentiate.

• All data in the tables should be left-aligned. It appeared that the first column was left aligned, and the other two columns were right aligned.

• The rows showing the totals should be boldfaced on both tables.

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Below are the revised tables with my changes incorporated:

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Below is the explanation of my changes for the paragraphs:

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• If these paragraphs were footnotes, then they should be listed at the bottom of the page, and have the numerical reference added to the table text.

• If these paragraphs were regular notes, then they should be listed at the bottom of Table 2 under the heading “Notes”, and have a normal numbering format (1. 2. 3., etc.).

• Notes 1-4 were listed horizontally, whereas 5-8 were listed vertically. They should all be listed vertically.

• The instruction to “See Table 1” in Note 4 is not necessary and should be removed because it is redundant.

• The total minimum cost in Note 8 was incorrect. It should be $117,320.

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