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
Proofreading:
Editing
Completene
ss
Cohesivene
ss
Clarity
FORMALIT
Y
Checks:
Spelling
Grammar
Punctuation
Word usage
Content
Sentence &
paragraph
Proofreading: Importance
Proofreading:Process
• Cultivate a healthy sense of doubt. If
there are types of errors you know
you tend to make, double check for
those.
Proofreading:Process
“BARE” IN MIND
• FORMALITY
• VAGUE QUALIFIER
• LENGTH OF SENTENCE &
PARAGRAPH
• COHESIVENESS
• GRAMMAR
Proofreading:Process
• 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.
Proofreading:Process
• 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”
Proofreading:Process
Proofreading:Process
• 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
Proofreading:Process
• 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?
Proofreading:Process
• 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 -
Proofreading:
Capitalization
Process -
Proofreading:
Capitalization
Proofreading: Process - Abbreviation
Titles: Mr., Mrs., Ms., ✗ Names of days
St., and Dr. when ✗ Months
preceded with names ✗ Centuries
ü Prof. Sindico
✗ States
Titles & Degrees: B.S.,
A.M., P.M. ✗ Countries
ü B.S. Medical Technology ✗ Unit of measure
✗ Words for page,
chapter, volume
(except in footnotes &
bibliographies)
Proofreading:Process
Numbers Spelling
• Use figures • Observe and check
– Dates misspelled words.
– Street (Number)
– Room Number
– Page Number
– Telephone Number
– Percentages
– Hours with A.M. & P.M.
Example
From
http://www.editmytext.com.au/examples.p
hp
Proofreading:
Example
From
http://www.editmytext.com.au/examples.p
hp
Proofreading:
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.
Proofreading: Exercise
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.
• 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
• Examples for grammar check and proofreading.
http://www.editmytext.com.au/examples.php.
• Websites were accessed on February 21-March 1, 2009
