Editing and Proofreading Papers

Editing and proofreading are the "polishing up" part of the whole writing process. When editing, it's good to edit paragraphs, then sentences, then words. Make sure each paragraph has a topic sentence or main point, or at least relates to the previous paragraph. It's best to put the most important information either at the beginning or end of the paragraph, that way, the readers will remember what they read. When editing sentences, make sure every sentence is complete. Be sure to use the appropriate voice. Begin your sentences with a variety of words. When editing words, be sure the reader will be able to define all the words you used. Make sure you're not too general or too elaborate, and use pronouns clearly. Try not to use any cliches and don't use words that could be sexist or taken offense to. When proofreading, read it aloud to yourself and in front of other people. Then have someone else read it aloud to you. Use the spelling and grammar check but also go through it yourself. This is the most important part of the writing process. It's a chance to clean up your work and make it shine!