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The Revision Workout

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 The “A.R.M.S Pass” is an activity that can be used during the 'revising' stage in the writing process. This activity will help students to apply each part of A.R.M.S. step-by-step. 

The teacher can conduct this activity by following these steps:

  1. Give students their draft and four colored highlighters/pencils. 
  2. Encourage students to read their draft four times, each time focusing on ONE letter from A.R.M.S. A (Add): Highlight spots where more detail, examples, or explanations are needed. R (Remove): Cross out words or sentences that are unnecessary or repetitive. M (Move): Use arrows to show where sentences or paragraphs should be rearranged. S (Substitute): Replace boring or unclear words with stronger ones.
  3. After the four passes, students rewrite the improved version.

Usually, many students are unable to identify their mistakes unless a peer points them out, but I think that students should complete their personal A.R.M.S revision before a peer sees the draft because:

  • it encourages responsibility and

  • they learn the revision process themselves

This makes peer feedback more meaningful and less overwhelming.


After students complete their personal A.R.M.S pass, their partners can use a simple checklist answering questions like:

  • What should be added?

  • What should be removed?

  • What should be moved?

  • What should be substituted?

This will reinforce the strategy and give a second pair of eyes.




Comments

  1. Teacher NishelNovember 29, 2025 at 11:02 AM

    Smart strategy! Encourages students to revise independently before peer feedback.

    ReplyDelete

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