Which action demonstrates revision rather than editing?

• A. adding citations to credit sources for the facts used in the piece
• B. changing the opening lines of the piece to create a compelling lead
• C. checking the spelling of words in the piece that might be misspelled
• D. placing quotation marks in the right spots around dialogue in the piece

Answer: (B)

Revision focuses on reshaping content, structure, and how the ideas are presented. Changing the opening lines to create a compelling lead alters how the reader first encounters the piece and sets up the flow and purpose of the writing, which is the essence of revising. It goes beyond fixing surface details to improve meaning and engagement.

The other tasks are typical editing steps: adding citations relates to sourcing and credibility, a surface and formatting adjustment rather than changing ideas; checking spelling is a language-mechanics correction; placing quotation marks around dialogue is punctuation work. So, changing the lead best demonstrates revising because it directly affects content and organization.