1. Tips for effective proofreading
2. Six simple tips for proofreading
4. Seven effective ways to proofread writing
5. Ten superb tips to improve your proofreading skills
Layout and Content
a) The texts generally start with a brief introductory section focusing on eg the reasons for proofreading (3, 4) or the problems encountered when proofreading (2, 5).
b) However, the main body of the text focuses on techniques for proofreading.
c) These techniques are usually organised in a series of numbered bullet points,(1,3,4,5).
d) Each technique has its own section. The main point of the section is highlighted in bold, either as a bullet point heading or as the first sentence of the paragraph.This is then followed by a brief explanation of the technique - how to do it and/or the benefits. Examples - all texts. EG: (1) Proofread backwards. Begin at the end and work back through the paper paragraph by paragraph or even line by line. This will force you to look at the surface elements rather than the meaning of the paper. = Statement of the technique / How to do it / The benefit
Linguistic Features
e) The imperative (affirmative and negative) is used to describe the technique and tell the reader what they should/shouldn't do. Examples - all texts EG: (3) Check your referencing - always check your course handbook for preferred conventions - if you have to reference something that's not covered there, be consistent. (2) Don’t overlook the fine print... Blow the fine print up on a screen or scale it up on your printer if you have to, but give it the same attention you give the main type.
f) Style: second person pronouns and determiners are used to give a conversational style to the text - as if the writer is talking directly to the reader. examples - all texts. EG: (3) ...if you can, leave some time between finishing your full draft and proof reading.
g) Style: The use of contractions (Examples - 1, 2,3,5) helps create a neutral/informal style. EG: (1) Ask someone else to read over your paper and help you find sentences that aren’t clear, places where you’re being wordy, and any errors.
h) Will + infinitive is used to predict the likely benefits of the techniques (Examples - 1, 4, 5) EG: (5) This way, you’ll focus on the words rather than the sentences, or the negative results of ignoring them; (2) Fresh eyes are essential when it comes to picking up typos, in particular. If you have written the manuscript, structurally edited the manuscript, then copy edited the manuscript, you will no longer see the errors.)
i) If clauses with present tense verbs (simple, continuous and perfect) are frequently used, in particular to describe the conditions under which the writer may be proofreading. Examples: (2) If you have written the manuscript, structurally edited the manuscript, then copy edited the manuscript, you will no longer see the errors;(3) ...if you have time to do a really thorough proofing, first...; (4) This technique is especially useful if you are proofreading a very large document...) (5) If you don’t have a handy printer or don’t want to read your copy aloud, you can proofread it on-screen.
