Tuesday Tip: A Proofreading Procedure
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Most people find it very difficult to produce a piece of writing that is completely error free, but by proofreading in an organized way, it is possible to minimize obvious errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Here is a step-by-step procedure that you may find helpful:
1. It is okay to proof your work at any stage of writing, but be aware that you will always need to do a final proofing after you have completed your final draft.
2. Print the document. Do not try to proof it on your computer screen!
3. Read the entire piece aloud, correcting grammar and punctuation mistakes in brightly colored ink. Make any wording changes necessary to clarify meaning. (Suggestion: When you correct punctuation marks, circle them so that your eye will see them when you go back and make the corrections on the computer.)
4. In your word processing program search for, and make corrections to, commonly misused homonyms such as two, to, too; there, their, they're; here, hear; etc. (Suggestion: Keep a running list of any words you have used incorrectly in the past and be sure to search for all of them in each paper that you write.)
5. Have someone else read and make corrections with a colored pen or pencil. If you talk with him or her about the paper, make notes or record the conversation so you will remember what was said.
6. After typing in your corrections, again read the entire piece aloud, making any further corrections as you go.
7. Always do one more spell check before printing your final draft.
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Sincerely, 
Kevin D. Dohmen, M.Ed. Learning Consultant21 West Caton Avenue Alexandria, VA 22301-1519 --- 703.683.9617 kevindohmen@verizon.netwww.kevindohmen.netthe art of learning for the information age
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