PROOFREADING PRIORITIES
1. First Paragraph:
• Highlight the sentence in the opening paragraph that makes a promise to the reader about what's to come in the essay. (thesis)
• In that same sentence, circle the subject on which the essay focuses.
• Underline the writer's position on the subject.
• In the margin, make a note about how the writer interests the reader in the subject (i.e., example, description, surprising fact(s), etc.)
• Bracket the “bridge” phrase or sentence that moves readers smoothly from interest building information to the promise statement.
2. Middle Paragraphs:
• Read the first sentence of each paragraph –
• Highlight key words that directly connect to the promise statement in paragraph 1.
• Read each paragraph – Does each create a “PIE”?
• Point - 1 st sentence presents writer's point for that paragraph in own voice.
• Information – Offers information from relevant sources
• Explains, examines, explores, evaluates & analyzes information and issue in the writer's voice.
• Check the connections from sentence to sentence:
• Does the writer create “bridges” or “relays” that smoothly connect ideas?
- If not, what can be done to build connections?
• Check the order of & connections between paragraphs:
- Do the paragraphs progress in a logical order?
- Are there any suggestions for reorganizing?
• Visually review the essay –
- Are any paragraphs very short or overly long?
- What can be done to correct any imbalances?
3. Closing paragraph:
• How does the paragraph echo/reinforce (vs. summarizing) the opening promise?
• Some helpful questions to ask:
- What has the writer learned from her/his examination and discussion?
- Why is this subject/issue important to readers?
- Can the writer close with a reinforcing description?
4. Review source material:
• Do quotations or paraphrases logically connect to what comes before and after them?
• If using direct quotations –
- Are they correctly & smoothly incorporated into each sentence?
- Are “quotation marks” used around the borrowed language?
- Are the author's name & page numbers cited?
• If using paraphrase –
- Are paraphrases written in writer's own words & sentence structure?
- Are the author & page numbers of the paraphrased material cited?
5. Mechanical correctness: sentence structure, punctuation, grammar, spelling, page format
6. Title: How does it identify BOTH the topic the writer's point/focus? |
