Writing process
14 Editing & proof-reading
General
In contrast to revising, editing means making smaller-scale (often final) changes to your draft. Proof reading is more like a local revision and is mostly concerned with language and how the paper is written. This is equally essential to avoid small errors that make parts of your work inaccurate or even incomprehensible, and which might lower your mark significantly.
Check-list
Use the following check-list for editing.
Check list:
- Do I express my ideas clearly/ concisely?
- Is each paragraph unified, i.e. organized around one idea?
- Are my headings/ subheading informative?
- Are images and text connected?
- Are references correct (APA standard)? Consider in-text references and list of references.
- Are all sources listed in the list of references?
- Are any sources listed which have not been used in the text?
Is the style appropriate (e.g. level of formality)?
- Do I use academic and technical vocabulary when appropriate?
- Do I maintain a neutral ‘voice’?
- Do I use active and passive voice appropriately?
Aspects for proofreading:
- Your presentation: typeface, font size (12 point Arial)
- Grammar (e.g. subject – verb- agreement)?
- Spelling or typing mistakes
- Punctuation
- Labelling of figures, tables and illustrations
Use spell-checkers but be aware that they cannot replace your proofreading! The programme, e.g., does not know if you want to write about ‘pacemakers’ or ‘peacemakers‘. There are many words in English which are often confused because their pronunciation is very similar, such as whole/hole or affect/ effect. Make sure your final writing does not have any such mistakes. Try out this technique: before proofreading change the font and/or layout of your entire document. You might experience that you are able to spot mistakes you did not see anymore.