Proofreading and Editing

Not every student likes proofreading and editing their work, for one because they claim it is boring, and it is hard work, unfortunately, proofreading and editing is an activity you cannot avoid as long as you are writing, academic writing, or otherwise. It helps in correcting and rectifying minor mistakes that can be very costly to a writer. In this article are a few tips useful in proofreading and editing.

 1.      Know yourself

Know the mistakes or errors that you tend to make unconsciously. A checklist of these errors will be helpful. While proofreading and editing, it is advisable that you rectify one error at a time.

 2.      Plan

Planning helps in assigning enough time for each activity in an assignment. this translates to attending to each carefully thereby minimizing errors. Planning also helps in completing assignments in good time, and hence, sufficient time for proofreading and editing. It is advisable to keep aside work done for a day or so where possible. It helps in noticing errors made as opposed to proofreading and editing while the work is still fresh.

 3.      Utilize proofreading and editing resources

They include dictionaries, the internet where possible, thesaurus, citation guidebooks, etc. they help in reminding what to watch out for while proofreading and editing.

 4.      Read aloud

Reading aloud is an effective way of identifying errors as opposed to reading silently. Through reading silently, there is a tendency not to notice mistakes unconsciously. It is also advisable to let another person read aloud in one’s hearing, it is very easy to notice mistakes.

 5.      Print a hardcopy

It is easier to notice mistakes and errors when proofreading and editing as opposed to proofreading and editing from the screen.

 6.      Proofread and edit more than once

Reading a text more than once helps in noticing errors that can slip through one’s eyes.