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Editing your work (Open Learning)

Proof-reading

There are a number of steps to proof-reading your work. Each stage is important to make your work as clear as possible.

Stages of proof-reading

Final proof-reading is an important stage, so make sure you have enough time:

  • Build in a time lapse, at least one day, so that you have a gap between writing your final draft and proof-reading, otherwise your brain remembers what you wanted to write and may not notice the mistakes
  • Divide your work into sections rather than trying to proof-read it all at once
  • Print out your work in a font that you don’t like and make the font larger. It helps make the writing look different, so less like your own work and therefore easier to proof-read.  

image of someone proof-reading

Read your work out loud as it is often easier to hear mistakes than to see them.  If it helps, you could ask a friend to read it to you, or read aloud and record yourself.  Concentrate on the sense and structure:

  • Does it make sense?
  • Does it flow?
    • Your introduction explains what you plan to do. Make sure that it fits with what you’ve actually written.
    • Your paragraphs link your content together.  Check that the first sentence of each paragraph introduces a relevant point
    • Each paragraph should be on a single topic.  Write one or two words in your margin to sum up the paragraph, then scan through your writing to make sure you haven’t repeated yourself.
    • Your conclusion summarises the main themes and states your final conclusion based on the evidence presented in the main body of the essay.  Check that it answers the question in the title of the assignment.
    • Check that your introduction and conclusion match.
  • Is it written in the appropriate style without any slang? Check that it’s in a formal, measured style
  • Is it as concise as possible? As you only have a limited number of words, it’s important not to waste them.  Watch out for repetition, and for words or phrases which aren’t adding anything to your argument

Person reading their work

Read your work again, this time concentrating on the spelling and punctuation:

  • First check for spelling mistakes.  Watch out for words spelt correctly but with the wrong meaning, e.g. where and were. Don’t just rely on a spell checker, use a dictionary as well.
  • Check for missing words or words you’ve written twice by mistake.
  • Now check punctuation.  Read each sentence out loud, pausing where necessary to identify where punctuation is needed. Circle each punctuation mark. As you circle each mark, ask yourself if it is in the correct place.

Image with the words spell check

Have a final check that your work follows any guidelines you have been given:

  • Check your references to make sure that they are in keeping with the appropriate style.
  • Check you have followed any guidelines given by your module tutor or your School.  For example, there could be School guidelines on presentation such as font size, type face or spacing.

Image of signposts representing gudelines

Once you have completed and submitted your assignment, there is still one more important stage to come.  The feedback that you receive will help you identify priorities for your next piece of work.  Keep a note of minor errors that you need to check for when proof-reading and major issues you need to work on to improve your marks.

Image with hands holding up the letters of the word feedback