Proofreading

Estimated Time: 30 minutes

Proofreading is the final step of the writing process. By the time you get to this step, you are sure that your writing contains the content and structure required to achieve its purpose. You have checked to ensure that it is coherent. And you have edited to correct grammar, punctuation, word choice, and spelling mistakes. This final step is your last chance to look through your work for any remaining errors before you send it to its intended audience.

Things to Watch Out for When Proofreading

• Spelling mistakes
• Commonly confused words (e.g. They're, Their, There)
• Misused punctuation
• Switching between writing conventions and spelling (e.g., American and British conventions)
• Formatting issues (e.g. headers, quotations, indentations, spacing, capitalisation)

🧠 Mindsets

• View proofreading as a learning process, the more you proofread the easier it will be for you to notice the mistakes you frequently make.
• Don’t feel bad about finding mistakes.
• Use a systematic approach when searching for errors, it will make the process more effective.

Check Your Understanding

References

McCombs, S. A Quick Guide to Proofreading.

The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Editing and Proofreading