Proofreading is the final step in reviewing a written work to check for errors. The document provides many tips for effective proofreading, including preparing yourself by minimizing distractions, taking breaks to proofread with fresh eyes, reading slowly and checking each word, printing documents to proofread on paper as well as on screen, having a friend proofread your work, and proofreading multiple times using different techniques. Effective proofreading takes concentration, patience and time.
2. Proofreading is the last step
in reviewing your piece of
writing when you check it for
grammar, spelling and
punctuation errors, misused
words, and typos. If
proofreading seems
complicated for you, here are
some useful tips.
3. ■ Prepare yourself
Proofreading demands a great
concentration, patience,
perseverance as well as time.
Make sure you have enough
energy and there is nothing that
can distract you (such as TV, cell
phone, music, unanswered emails
and so on) or try online
proofreading.
4. ■ Give yourself a rest
Walk away for like 15 minutes, a
day or even a week. With fresh
eyes, you’ll be more effective in
catching mistakes. Alternatively,
use online paper editor.
5. ■ Check each word
You should read each word, sentence, and paragraph slowly and
thoroughly. As an option, cover all but the paragraph you’re checking
for errors with a blank piece of paper so nothing else will distract you.
6. ■ Proofread from different formats
Print out your written piece and
proofread it not only from a computer
screen but also from a printed version.
Most students consider it as more
effective way of catching errors. When
in doubt, try the best online
proofreader.
7. ■ Create a list of the most common errors
It saves your time as you already know what kind of mistakes
you commit most often. You won’t feel overwhelmed by
proofreading for sure.
8. ■ No rushing
You can make lots of errors when you’re rushing. So, calm down
and read the text slowly and thoroughly. Give your eyes enough
time to see all mistakes.
9. ■ Read aloud
When you read silently, your reading speed is much faster and
thus, you can miss some errors. So, don’t be shy and read it
aloud. As an alternative, use resume proofreading service.
10. ■ Ask a friend to read aloud
Listen carefully when somebody
else is reading your written piece.
Pay attention when he/she find it
difficult to read. If a reader doesn’t
sound fluent, it means your essay
has troubles with a structure or
word choice.
11. ■ Start proofreading from the end
It will help to focus more on separate
words and sentences rather than on
the whole paper. If you have troubles,
use professional paraphrasing online
help.
12. ■ Ask a friend to proofread for
you
When all corrections are done, ask
a friend or your teacher to check
your work. You might have
overlooked some typos and a
second person can spot them from
a fresh perspective.
13. ■ Check fragments
The most effective way to check for fragments is to read
sentence by sentence. While reading, ask yourself, “Does this
sentence make any sense?”. If yes, then it is absolutely correct; if
not, rewrite it.
14. ■ Check for spelling
Spell checker can’t be reliable 100%. You can use it, but then re-read
the text by yourself. Do it from the end to the beginning of your
written piece, word by word. If you don’t have enough time for this,
then create a list of words which always give you troubles. Refer to
them when proofreading.
15. ■ Check tables, figures, and
illustrations carefully
Look if all tables, pictures and so
on are located in the right place
and order, and have their titles
and captions. Figures are tricky
ones so check if you haven’t miss
digits.
16. ■ If tired, rest a little bit
You should take regular breaks so proofreading won’t make you sick.
Plan your breaks in advance or just relax when you’re feeling too
tired.
17. ■ Proofread a few times
You’ll be surprised how many errors you can miss when proofread
essay just once. So, do it at least twice. You can look for grammar
errors in the first round, then for word choice in the second one, finally
for sentence structure in the third cycle.
18. ■ If you have a doubt, use a dictionary
If you don’t know which word is the most accurate one, use a dictionary.
In such a way, you’ll make your written piece original and rich. Look at
this Google book and find even more tips.
19. ■ Try different techniques
For some students reading aloud is the
most effective ways to spot errors,
some prefer reading backward. Try all
techniques you can find on
proofreading websites in order to find
the best one.