Page 368 - Keys To Community College Success

Editing

Editing involves correcting technical mistakes in spelling, grammar, and punctuation, as
well as checking for consistency in such elements as abbreviations and capitalization.
If you use a computer, start with the grammar check and spell check to find mistakes,
realizing that you still need to check your work manually (keep in mind that spell check
will not catch misspelled words that are still actual words—for example, if you meant
to use the word “hear” but typed “here” by mistake). Look also for sexist language,
which characterizes people according to gender stereotypes and often involves the male
pronouns he or his or him.
Proofreading, the last editing stage, involves reading every word for accuracy. Look
for technical mistakes, run-on sentences, spelling errors, and sentence fragments. Look
for incorrect word usage and unclear references. A great way to check your work is to
read it out loud.
Your final paper reflects all the hard work you put in during the writing process.
Ideally, when you are finished, you have a piece of work that shows your researching,
writing, and thinking abilities.

330 Appendix A: The Writing Process