How do I proofread or revise?

Revision and proofreading are actually two separate parts of the same process. Most writers work from large to small—from revision to proofreading.

Revision

Revision is literally looking at your work with new eyes—reviewing the content and organization of what you’ve written. Revision often requires a lot of redrafting and moving of ideas and information.

Tips for revision

• Focus your ideas.
• Ensure that your evidence is strong and relevant. (See tips on using evidence.)
• Organize your thoughts by using tools such as an outline. (See the Writing Center's outlining webpage.)

Proofreading

Proofreading, however, is the final step in your review process. Proofreading is looking over your work for smaller errors in punctuation, spelling, and grammar.

Tips for proofreading

• Don’t rely on grammar and spell checkers.
• Step away from your work.
• Read your paper backwards to try to catch smaller errors.
• Have someone else read the work aloud to you.
• Ask someone else to look over your work.

Additional Resources:

• Read more on the Writing Center's proofreading page.
• View the Writing Center's page on revising.
• Consult the Writer's Workshop series of the Writing Center's blog, which discusses various revision techniques.

Further Questions?

Would you like a current or future assignment to be reviewed by the Writing Center?  If so please visit the Writing Center's Paper Review Website and make an appointment with us! 

Do you have other general writing questions? Ask OASIS ! 

Other questions about your doctoral capstone or the Form & Style review? E-mail the Dissertation Editors at [email protected].

Want to peruse other writing resources? Go to the Writing Center’s homepage.