Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to refine and amend text to enhance clarity of written communication, taking into account the needs of the readership, the author’s intention, available resources and the type of publication.
It applies to individuals working in contexts such as book publishing, magazines and journals, corporate, online media, government, not-for-profit organisations or freelance editing.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare to edit written content | 1.1 Clarify scope of editing tasks, including timelines with relevant personnel 1.2 Determine style or tone appropriate to the publication 1.3 Identify factors that have implications for the way content will be edited 1.4 Identify enterprise or government styles guides, general and specialist dictionaries and grammar references to support editing |
2. Enhance clarity of written communication | 2.1 Amend text to make language clear and structure 2.2 Check language level is appropriate to target audience 2.3 Check tone is consistent with theme and purpose of the communication 2.4 Review punctuation, grammar and syntax to ensure clarity of meaning and ease of reading 2.5 Check text for potentially offensive, defamatory or bigoted language 2.6 Identify areas where content is unclear and amend to preserve integrity of the author’s voice 2.7 Amend text for consistency where additional information has been incorporated 2.8 Mark up text according to industry or enterprise procedures 2.9 Adopt safe ergonomic practices when using equipment for long periods of time |
3. Finalise editing process | 3.1 Check accuracy of references and organise copyright clearances as required 3.2 Finalise format and placement of visual material as required In consultation with relevant personnel 3.3 Submit final edited material to relevant personnel by agreed deadline 3.4 Evaluate editing process, assessing own performance and noting areas for future improvement |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
edit text material for publication that enhances clarity of original text while adhering closely to the author’s voice
logically structure edited material and maintain consistency when integrating additional material
employ tone and language consistent with target audience and purpose of communication
mark up text using industry or enterprise procedures
employ a sound knowledge of grammar, punctuation and syntax and access relevant style guides and dictionaries
evaluate own work and editing process for improvement.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
describe design principles involved in integration of visuals and text
describe industry or enterprise text mark-up procedures
describe copyright clearance procedures
outline features of text that may indicate defamation, vilification or breaches of privacy
outline health and safety requirements as they relate to working for periods of time on screens and keyboards.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:
texts appropriate for editing
legislation and codes of practice relevant to media
variety of information sources
software packages.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Learning | 3.4 | Has an awareness of self as learner and takes responsibility for learning in this routine context |
Reading | 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 2.1-2.9, 3.1, 3.2 | Interprets and analyses complex texts for accuracy, clarity and appropriateness for a particular audience Applies appropriate strategies, including proofreading skills to support understanding of a range of complex texts |
Writing | 1.1, 1.3, 2.1-2.9, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4 | Communicates complex relationships between ideas and information with an understanding of audience or reader needs, expectations and the application of non-discriminatory language Applies correct grammar, syntax, spelling and punctuation, and displays knowledge of appropriate publishing and presentation formats employing broad vocabulary, grammatical structure and conventions appropriate to text |
Oral Communication | 1.1, 3.2, 3.3 | Participates in verbal exchanges and discussions of complex ideas by using listening and questioning techniques Uses clear language to express understandings and opinions |
Numeracy | 1.1 | Calculates time required for a given editing task |
Navigate the world of work | 2.9, 2.10 | Complies with organisational requirements in relation to document editing Follows work health and safety (WHS) legislation as required Checks information sources and copyright issues that contribute to generating text-based content |
Interact with others | 1.1, 3.2, 3.3 | Recognises and applies appropriate communication protocols in consultation with others Presents information in a way easily understood by others |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.4, 2.1-2.9, 3.1-3.4 | Adopts a logical and methodical approach to the process of clarifying scope, style and possible implications for editing Adopts a consistent approach to the process of reviewing and amending content to achieve clear language and logical structure, meeting deadlines as required Uses standard word processing applications to write material |
Sectors
Communication – Writing