M05-2: Proofreading guidelines

List of simple writing and proofreading criteria on the language and paragraph level.

Has the author

completed the sentences: relates to a finished thought or action

used correct punctuation marks

written out all verb forms (can‘t, it‘s, don‘t)

avoided starting sentences with and, but, because, so

used logical discourse markers/linkers

avoided ending sentences with 'too, also, though, yet'

avoided the verb 'to get'

avoided vagueness, sensationalism, exaggeration (f.ex. a bit, a lot, amazing, incredible, absolute statements)

Used articles: the and a

Written paragraphs of an appropriate length, with one idea, and a topic sentence?

Additional material

Here you find three websites that provide information and checklists on proofreading. This material helps you when you are proofreading your own writing or somebody else’s.

General strategies on proofreading

Finding common errors