Every piece of written work needs to be proofread for spelling, grammar and punctuation errors or irregularities. If you want your written work to be taken seriously, it is essential that you proofread it to ensure nothing is amiss. So, how can you proofread your text? Well, follow these professional techniques to ensure your text is the best it can be:
1. Take a break
Once you have finished writing, put the work to one side for a day or so before coming back to the text to re-read and check it. You really need this cooling off period as it enables you to come back to your work feeling refreshed and with a fresh pair of eyes, better able to spot any errors. You might find it easier to print off your text if you have been working on the computer, as a paper copy is often easier to read than words on a screen.
2. Start reading backwards
Sometimes, we spend so much time on a text that we become almost too familiar with it to the extent we don’t even really see it anymore. This can make it very hard to proofread for errors. One solution is to start reading the last sentence and work your way backwards, reading each sentence until you get to the start of the text. This new way of seeing your words will help you spot any mistakes much more easily.
3. Read your text aloud
Reading your text out loud can really highlight any irregularities and errors. It is often the case that your ears can register a mistake more effectively than your eyes.
4. Enlist the help of a friend
Knowing someone who is proficient in grammar and spelling can be a real help. Ask a friend to read your text – remember that a fresh pair of eyes could spot something you have overlooked.
5. Use a Spellchecker
The spell and grammar checker on your computer is a very useful tool but should not be relied on too heavily. By all means use it to help you pick up certain errors, but don’t expect it to find omitted words or words used out of context. When using this type of program, proceed with caution.
Remember that proofreading is essential and it pays to take a little extra time to re-read and check your text before submitting it. Errors and spelling mistakes can greatly detract from the quality of your work, not to mention the reader’s opinion of your ability.
For more information on proofreading and how you can make your English language documents the very best they can be, visit www.kjlanguageservices.com
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