Decide Whether This Scene Should Be Cut

Most writers know something is not working but cannot bring themselves to cut it. The scene that took two days to write. The paragraph that used to be in the right place. This looks at what the scene is actually doing and tells you honestly whether the piece needs it.

I have a scene or section in a piece of writing and I am not sure if it is earning its place. I want a clear verdict.

The scene or section: [paste it here]

The context (what comes before and after, what the piece is): [describe briefly]

Tell me: what work this scene is doing (or claiming to do), whether that work is necessary to the piece, whether the piece would be stronger or weaker without it, and your verdict. Keep your reasons specific and tied to the text.