How do I proofread, and what can I do to help with that?

Question

This question will address common methods of proofreading, and how student can conduct such methods independently.

Answer 1

The best methods of proofreading are to: break it down into manageable chunks, read it out loud, and use colors.

1. Break down the document (we will ay essay) into chunks, the easiest would be by paragraph. This helps you maintain focus on one specific thought or idea that you are trying to get across in your paper. Then take each sentence on its own: does it alone make sense? Does it flow well from the sentence before it? Does it flow well into the next?
2. Read out loud. You can also record yourself reading it to play it back just to be sure it sounds correct. Remember to read slowly and clearly. You should reread it a few times just to be sure. Again, does the sentence make sense, do they low together?
3. Use colors. I've always found that highlighting is helpful. When going through an essay I've always found it best to go through it multiple times. If the sentence is good and free of errors (grammar and spelling) I will highlight it in green, if the sentence needs work I will highlight it in yellow, orange, or pink depending on how much work the sentence needs. I will then go through and make the necessary corrections until the entire document is in green. Then I will once again reread it.
4. When correcting a sentence (I find it's best to do this on a printed copy) I will underline words that may have been used incorrectly or can find a better word in a thesaurus, I will write the better word above it. If a word is misspelled: I will cross it out with the correction above it. If a word (or sentence) needs to be added I will use a carrot to insert it where it needs to go. I will also check for spacing issues, formatting, and punctuation. I will mark the essay with a red pen so that I can see what and where the corrections need to be made.
5. Then once again reread it. Forwards, then backwards sentence by sentence.

Answer 2

Focus on one sentence at a time. For the most part you want to ignore 'what' the sentence is saying, and focus on how it is being said. Record yourself reading your paper out loud, listen to it, and note if anything sounds off, if so, look at the paper to see if there are punctuation problems. Another strategy is reading the paper backwards, sentence-by-sentence. I would suggest completely proofing one sentence, before moving onto the next one. This forces you to slow down, and helps you fight your brain's tendency to read on to the next sentence.

Answer 3

Read your work slowly and carefully, focusing on one type of error at a time (like spelling, grammar, or punctuation). It's also helpful to read aloud, backwards, or with a ruler under each line to aid concentration. Take a break before proofreading to gain fresh perspective, and consider using different colors to highlight specific error types. 

Answer 4

Some of the most common methods of proofreading that I've suggested include:

1. Read your writing out loud to yourself: Writing might sound one way in our brains, but might come out completely different on paper as soon as it is written down and you speak it physically. When you read your writing aloud to yourself, you are able to make greater sense of it, and are more likely to catch errors in grammar, phrasing, and spellilng.
2. Reading slowly: This is another method that helps with proofreading. When going line by line, and sentence by sentence, it really helps you in catching the more subtle errors like puncutation and cohesiveness in tone and voice.
3. Breaking it down into sections: Proofreading takes time, especially when it comes to essays, or larger works of academic or creative writing. It might be best to focus to one aspect. On your first read, you might focus on the grammar. On the second and third readings, you might bring focus to spelling and capitalization.
4. Use of Color: Color helps you to visualize exactly what you're working on. For instance:
5. A red pen might help you with finding punctuation errors.
6. Yellow could help you indicate where you might fix capitalization and spelling.
7. Blue can help with fixing sentence structure or, the structure or your writing.