Proofreading/Editing Documents

Follow these guidelines when reviewing and editing your written assignments: 

Proofreading

• Prior to proofreading have ready:
  • Online/hard copy dictionary and thesaurus
  • HOW resource manual or online resource manual 
• Proofreading
  • Use spell check before reading document
  • Check for style/formatting consistency (margins, line spacing) of document
  • Check for letters that are transposed or omitted
  • Check for words/phrases or sentences that are repeated
  • Figures and numbers are written correctly
  • Use proofreader's marks or underline, strikethrough, highlight marks to edit/correct

Editing

• Is all content covered that is in the assignment instructions
• Is document well organized, does it flow in a logical manner
• Is document correct in formatting, punctutation, grammar, spelling and general mechanics
• Is document white space well formatted
• Is content easily understood
• Have all ideas been expressed concisely (i.e. in few words as possible)
• Are the tone and language of the document appropriate (i.e. professional)