Proofreading and Editing

When the revision of the rough draft is complete, the final copy is almost ready for publication. The revision process allows the writer to see any disconnections among ideas or lapses in organization that might confuse the reader.

Proofreading and editing consists of reading through a piece of writing and noting any grammar and mechanics errors. Grammar and mechanic errors include (but are not limited to): comma errors, spelling errors, syntax errors, capitalization errors, etc.

Without an understanding of proper conventions, the art of proofreading will not be an easy process.

Before submitting the final copy, each writer needs to go through the proofreading process. In the publishing world, editors are often employed to revise and proofread an author's work; however, all writers should learn to edit and proofread their own writing to develop written communication. One important thing to revise for is Active Voice and Syntax.

Maintaining Active Voice and Syntax helps you maintain authority in an argumentative essay.

Active Voice: The subject does the action.

- Active Voice: He was being handed the piece of paper by the teacher.
- Passive Voice: The teacher handed him the piece of paper.

- - Do not use "to be" verbs in order to help you maintain Active Voice:
    - Eliminate the use of: Am, Is, Are, Was, Were, Be, Being, Been
Proper Syntax: How you choose to arrange the words of each sentence in order to achieve a specific purpose.

- Proper syntax will create sentences that are clear for readers to understand

View the presentation below to review various convention rules necessary for the proofreading and editing step:

Writing Academically - Good Practices

In addition to using proper punctuation and sentence structure, other generally accepted rules apply when writing academically. Because these rules are generally accepted, always check with the instructor with questions. After checking in with the instructor, make sure to avoid the following mistakes in academic writing:

Writing Academically - Good Practices
-Indent paragraphs properly (MLA Formatting - check the handbook or reputable websites if you need help)
-Do not use contractions (Don’t, shouldn’t, can’t, etc.) in formal writing.
-Avoid vague, meaningless words such as: it, that, these, those
-Avoid first and second person personal pronouns (I, me, my, you, your. us. we)
-A lot is two words (do not combine to one as “a lot”)
-Correctly use there, their, they’re
-Correctly use to, too, two

Self-Assessment: Punctuation

Now that you have studied the comma, semi-colon, and colon rules, practice the skills learned here:

Self-Assessment: Sentences

Now that you have studied the fragment and run-on rules, practice the skills learned here:

Polishing the Final Draft

In this module, you have worked through the entire writing process to create a polished, organized, and developed piece of writing. Move through the module wrap up checklist to ensure that all components have been completed. Then, prepare to submit a final draft.

Key Terms Review

RESOURCES IN THIS MODULE ARE OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES (OER) OR CREATED BY GAVS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. SOME IMAGES USED UNDER SUBSCRIPTION.