Proofreading : Basic Guide (research)

proofreading Reported by: Mary Christelle G. Aquitania 1EMT ENG101B

Proofreading:

Definition

• Proofreading is… – v. to read (copy or proof) in order to find errors and mark corrections (Answers.com) – the inspection and making of proof for correction of errors and imperfections (Columbia Encyclopedia)

– reading a proof copy of a text in order to detect and correct any errors. (Wikipedia) • Modern proofreading requires reading copy earlier stages as well. (Wikipedia)

– the final stage of editing

Proofreading VS Editing

Proofreading:

Completene ss Cohesivene ss Clarity FORMALIT Y Checks: Spelling Grammar Punctuation Word usage Content Sentence & paragraph

Proofreading:

Importance

Process

Proofreading:

• Cultivate a healthy sense of doubt. If there are types of errors you know you tend to make, double check for those.

Process

Proofreading:

“BARE” IN MIND • FORMALITY • VAGUE QUALIFIER • LENGTH OF SENTENCE & PARAGRAPH • COHESIVENESS • GRAMMAR

Process

Proofreading:

• Find a comfortable place to work • Decide what medium lets you proofread most carefully • Get some distance from the text • Read very slowly. If possible, read out loud. Read one word at a time. • Read what is actually on the page, not what you think is there.

Process

Proofreading:

• Try changing the look of your document • Refrain on using often spelling and grammar checkers • Use your dictionary • Do your editing and proofreading in several short blocks of time • “Call for a friend”

Process

Proofreading:

Process

Proofreading:

• Spelling and writing mechanics 1. Am I sure f spelling especially of “troublesome words”? 2. Do my words accurately convey the meaning I intend to express? 3. Is proper punctuation observed? 4. Are the margins and indentions considered? 5. Is capitalization observed? 6. Are contractions and possessive forms

Process

Proofreading:

• Grammar and correct usage 1. Are parts of speech used correctly? 2. Do the sentences express complete thoughts? 3. Do my verbs agree with my subjects in number and in person? 4. Are pronoun references correct? 5. Do I observe consistency in mood, tense, point of view? 6. Are my sentence free from errors in placement of modifiers?

Process

Proofreading:

• Paragraph form and organization 1. Does the topic sentence clearly state the main idea? 2. Are sentences written in logical order? 3. Does each sentence add to the understanding of the topic? 4. Was the beginning considered for impact or interest? 5. Are there enough examples and illustrations to elucidate? 6. Was the ending considered for emphasis and finality?

Process Capitalization

Proofreading:

Process Capitalization

Proofreading:

Proofreading:

Process - Abbreviation

Titles: Mr., Mrs., Ms., St., and Dr. when preceded with names ü Prof. Sindico

Titles & Degrees: B.S., A.M., P.M. ü B.S. Medical Technology

✗ Names of days ✗ Months ✗ Centuries ✗ States ✗ Countries ✗ Unit of measure ✗ Words for page, chapter, volume (except in footnotes & bibliographies)

Process

Proofreading:

Numbers • Use figures – – – – – – –

Dates Street (Number) Room Number Page Number Telephone Number Percentages Hours with A.M. & P.M.

Spelling • Observe and check misspelled words.

Example Proofreading:

From http://www.editmytext.com.au/examples.p hp

Example Proofreading:

From http://www.editmytext.com.au/examples.p hp

EXERCISES

Exercise 00

Proofreading:

Marina was the first to speak, who was the president of the club. – Marina, who was the president of the club, was the first to speak.

Exercise 00

Proofreading:

The ship was huge, its mast stood thirty feet high. – The ship was huge; its mast stood thirty feet high. – The ship was huge, and its mast stood thirty feet high. – The mast of the huge ship stood thirty feet high.

Exercise 00

Proofreading:

In the workshop, we learned the value of discipline. Also how to take good notes. – In the workshop, we learned the value of discipline. We also learned how to take good notes.

Exercise 00

Proofreading:

A competitive sport, basketball players regularly practice to improve their game.

– To be more competitive, basketball players regularly practice to improve their game.

Exercise

Proofreading:

Their are many way a person can behave a better students.  centennial college student are not ekseption to this thing.  A students can learned read more effectively, write more good sounding, and organized himself beeter. In addition, a students can read effectively more than before.  This means that him/her can ask a friend or friends of him to help with the way they read.  After, the students can try there friends way.  For example, that students can hilite important parts of the thing that helps him look quickly for stuff.  the other ways are to circle words they dont no.  this stuff can help. Consequently, the person who is bad writer, can, and should, try, at least to make writing stuff sound good, this will help a studuent get better points and passing is good for me.  for example, write ‘I am smart, instead of I think maybe I have well good intelligence.”  This does help student pass. Firstly, organize himself better.  Use calendar.  Put down dates and give marks on time. I am done this essay.  Read, write and organizing.  This is the

Exercise 1

Proofreading:

• Their are many way a person can behave a better students.  centennial college student are not ekseption to this thing.  A students can learned read more effectively, write more good sounding, and organized himself beeter.

Exercise 1

Proofreading:

• Answer: – There are many ways a person can be a better student.  Centennial College students are no exception to this.  Students can learn to read more carefully, write more efficiently, and organize themselves better.

Exercise 2

Proofreading:

• In addition, a students can read effectively more than before.  This means that him/her can ask a friend or friends of him to help with the way they read.  After, the students can try there friends way.  For example, that students can hilite important parts of the thing that helps him look quickly for stuff.  the other ways are to circle words they dont no.  this stuff can help.

Exercise 2

Proofreading:

• Answer: – Firstly, students can read more carefully.  A student can ask a friend to help improve the way he/she reads, and then try to use their friend’s suggestions.  For example, the student can highlight important parts of the text.  Another way to improve is to circle words he/she does not know.

Exercise 3

Proofreading:

• Consequently, the person who is bad writer, can, and should, try, at least to make writing stuff sound good, this will help a studuent get better points and passing is good for me.  for example, write ‘I am smart, instead of I think maybe I have well good intelligence.”  This does help student pass.

Exercise 3

Proofreading:

• Answer: – Secondly, a person who wants to improve their writing should try to write more efficiently.  This will help a student improve his/her grades.  For example, a student should write “I am smart” instead of “I think maybe I have good intelligence.”  This approach will help a student achieve a passing grade.

Exercise 4

Proofreading:

• Consequently, the person who is bad writer, can, and should, try, at least to make writing stuff sound good, this will help a studuent get better points and passing is good for me.  for example, write ‘I am smart, instead of I think maybe I have well good intelligence.”  This does help student pass.

Exercise 4

Proofreading:

• Answer: – Lastly, a person can organize themselves better.  For example, a person can use an agenda to record important dates and hand in assignments on time. – In conclusion, people can become better students by simply reading more carefully, writing more efficiently, and organizing themselves better. 

References • •

Agalbia, U., Aranda, M. R., Sembrano, V. College Freshman English, Book II. 2004 edition, Manila, Philippines: UST Publishing House, c2004. Hernandez, C. MSA Comprehensive English Handbook. 2007 edition, Quezon City, Philippines: MSA Publishing House, c2005.

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http://www.ucc.vt.edu/stdysk/proofing.html http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/proofread.html http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/proofing_grammar.shtml http://www.proz.com/translation-articles/articles/543/1/The-difference-betwe http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/89287/the_importance_of_proofre http://www.lrc.centennialcollege.ca/tutorserv/PROOFREADINGPRACTICE.sha http://www.4hoteliers.com/4hots_fshw.php?mwi=935

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Examples for grammar check and proofreading. http://www.editmytext.com.au/examples.php.

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Websites were accessed on February 21-March 1, 2009