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How to Write an Essay: Proofread

Your final step is to proofread and correct errors

Check the format

Make sure that your paper uses the assigned format appropriately:

  • Check the layout of title page or first page of the paper; this is where information like your name and the due date will appear, depending on the assigned format 
  • Make sure page numbers are formatted correctly
  • Make sure in-text citations are used for all information drawn from sources 
  • Make sure in-text citations are correctly formatted
  • Make sure all direct quotes are acknowledged
    • Quotation marks are used for short quotes
    • Block format is used for long quotes
  • Check the format of headings, if any
  • Check the format of the Works Cited/References/Bibliography page

Check spelling, grammar, and punctuation

Spelling:

  • Do not simply select the first suggestion for words flagged as misspelled; look up any words that you are not 100% certain of
  • Proofread for wrong word errors that are not flagged as spelling errors

Grammar:

  • Read through the paper one sentence at a time
  • Check everything flagged as a possible grammar error, but don’t assume that the suggestions are always right

Punctuation

  • Make sure every sentence has a subject and a verb with tense
  • Proofread long sentences carefully to make sure independent clauses are connected by coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS words) or separated by periods or semi colons
  • Review the uses of commas and apostrophes