Proofreading and editing at sentence-level

Focus - All CAL undergraduates

Content – we will be discussing various techniques to help you write clearly, concisely and coherently, and with confidence!

Preparation – Look at any feedback you have received on previous essays written over the last couple of years and reflect on what you have done to address any concerns your marker had about your command of English. Any tips you would like to pass on?

Here is our presentation

KEY POINTS

Good proofreading requires time. Try to allow for some time to proofread before submitting your work. Paying attention to the Command of English criteria can help you if you are stuck on the borderline between grades.
Proofreading is better with a fresh pair of eyes. Change your screen, your sitting position, or the room you're working in. to proofread.
Friends on your course can help you. Try proofreading each other's work - we're in this together!
Use the feedback from previous essays to help focus your future proofreading process.
Proofreading, like writing, is a skill to develop. The more you set yourself time to proofread, the easier it becomes.

Points for reflection

What can you take from this presentation and apply to your own writing practice?
- try to be flexible, and think about the analytical techniques you have been shown, and how to adapt them to your own discipline.
- Do make an appointment with one of the team if you would like some help in doing this - we understand that it is not necessarily obvious

Resources cited

AWAS guide to proofreading here
AWAS guide to grammar here
…and punctuation here
Guide to grammar(University of Bristol)
Guide to punctuation(University of Sussex)
Manchester Academic Phrasebank

Further resources

To make an appointment, follow these links to the AWAS Canvas sites.
- Undergraduates: https://canvas.bham.ac.uk/courses/40481
- Postgraduates, Taught: https://canvas.bham.ac.uk/courses/10506
- Postgraduates, Research: https://canvas.bham.ac.uk/courses/3145

For independent study
- AWAS On Air: https://canvas.bham.ac.uk/courses/54663
- AWAS Online: https://canvas.bham.ac.uk/courses/43683