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another class, cleaning, eating – so that you can return to your
work with a fresh mind and fresh eyes.
2 Read one sentence at a time.
– Using a sheet of clean paper, cover all the text except the first

sentence. Read this sentence carefully. Does it sound and look
correct? Does it say what you want it to say? Continue down the
page in the same way.

3 Look for patterns of error.
– Personal patterns: All writers make mistakes that are typical of
their writing. If you always forget commas, check for commas.
If you always have trouble with transitions, look for transitions.

If you work on wordiness, look for this. Bring your essays to the
writing center! A tutor can help you to locate the patterns of
error.

– List: Keep a list of your “trouble spots.” Use this as a checklist
and refer to it as you edit.
4 Know your grammar and punctuation rules – or know where to

look them up.
– Study the rules of grammar and punctuation. Review the ones
you don’t know. If you have a writing handbook or handouts,

keep them out when you write. Refer to them when you have
questions as you write and edit.
Proofreading
Proofreading, the final stage, focuses on “random goofs.” The

final draft has been corrected, but sometimes, because of computer
error, fatigue, carelessness, or oversight, mistakes are still present. It
is important to go through the paper one last time to catch these

random goofs.
1 Read the paper as a reader.
– Read and enjoy your work. Sit back, and read the paper as if you
were the teacher. What do you notice?

2 Read one sentence/paragraph at a time.
– Take a clean sheet of paper, and place it under the first sentence

of your paper. Read this sentence carefully. Do you see any
mistakes, typos, or careless omissions?
3 Read backwards.
– Start at the bottom of the page on the right side. Look at the

words from right to left, check for spelling/typographical errors.