How to Improve Your Proofreading Skills

 

Proofreading is not as simple as most people think of it. Actually, it is harder since you have to try identifying mistakes in something that you are sure you did right in the first place. It does not matter whether you are proofreading for student or are doing a dissertation proofreading, the mistakes appear similar in both cases and only by following a few tips will your editing be effective.

 

If you are looking for a 'proofreading formula' then you need to understand that there is no proven method that can be said to work for each and every content. Sticking to a plan should help you avoid all the common mistakes hence making proofreading easier. The first thing to consider is taking a brief rest before attempting the proofreading. This will give you a clear perspective different from when you proof read immediately after writing a piece you considered perfect.

 

Working on identifying and correcting specific errors in your piece of writing at a time will make you more thorough. For instance, you could concentrate on correcting any tonal conflict mistakes before moving on to sentence structure, diction and perhaps punctuation. If you attempt fixing both of them at once, you will realize that it will only end up giving you a lot of problems.

 

When dissertation proofreading, resist the urge to alter names, figures and facts to make the paper look more bespoke. Phrases and sentences that are quoted should not be altered in any way. If there are any corrections to be made in such text, it should only be misspelled words.

 

Once you have done the first complete check, you should consider going through the material once again in a different format before handing it in. A different format may give you a new perspective and aid in your proofing. You will also be able to capture omissions and other problems that may have occurred unnoticed. Visit http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/proofreading?&o=100074&s=t for more details about proofreading.

 

You can always trust a few aids when proofreading any kind of material. The first tool is the spell checker which helps point out repeated words, reversed errors and most common mistakes that are always overlooked.

 

Since this is not a perfect  proofreading for students , you must use other varied means that involve checking up with your dictionary especially when it concerns mostly confused words. A better approach to the whole matter would be getting the help of a professional who should help you go through the content in question and pinpoint the mistakes hence helping you polish up your work whilst making you a better writer in future.