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Review as a Method for Improving Professional Texts

University of Twente, the Netherlands

LISETTE VAN GEMERT

University of Twente, the Netherlands

In this article, the review process is described as a method of formative evaluation of texts. The description is based on three empirical studies of professional writing practices. It includes the goals of review, the actors involved in the process, the moments in the text production process that review is taking place, and the procedures followed. The studies make clear that review serves more goals than just improving the text. For improving the text, other methods than review probably produce better and more reliable results, especially when the goal is to improve the usability of the text. But review also has the function of having the information checked by experts and of building consensus and commitment in the organization. Because in most organizations review is taking place anyway, all remarks about the quality and acceptability of the document that are collected in the review process can be considered additional information that writers could use—with caution.

Journal of Business and Technical Communication, Vol. 11, No. 4, 433-450 (1997)
DOI: 10.1177/1050651997011004004


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