Most writers can correct errors if they can find them. The problem arises when the writer "reads" the paper instead of proofing it. Proofing is not reading; in fact, it's the opposite of reading. When you read, you try to understand the meaning by moving over the page as quickly as possible. When you are proofing your paper for correctness, you want to forget the ideas behind the words and sentences and concentrate on the words and sentences themselves.

Here are some tips on creating an effective proofing strategy:

1. Proof your paper last, after you have made all changes in organization and style.
2. Read aloud.
3. Proof several times, waiting at least half an hour after writing your paper. A day is better. A week is better still. (But unlikely to happen in this class.)
4. Go through your paper looking for just one category of error at a time, whatever categories you know give you trouble–commas, spelling, (check proofing for spelling sheet) verb tense, omitted words, comma-splice, etc.
5. Work backward, beginning at the last paragraph and moving to the first (this helps you avoid reading and makes you look at the sentences and words, not the context or meaning).
6. Analyze the errors marked on your returned papers. Group these errors into categories. Be sure you understand the punctuation rule or principle behind the error and identify the context in which the error most often occurs. For instance, if you write sentence fragments rather than complete sentences, ask yourself if they often begin with an adverb (which, when, although, because). Then you can double check all sentences you begin this way.

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