Tips for proofreading and catching major errors:

  • Review the major error handout to make sure you understand the most significant problems you're looking for.  Also, take a look at the editing section on pp59-64 in Bedford. 

  • Read the essay out loud with a pencil in your hand and mark awkward sections.

  • Read the draft backwards at both the word level (to catch spelling errors) and the sentence level (to catch grammatical errors).

  • Read the draft through several times with at least an hour in between readings.

  • If you’re using a word processor, make sure to proofread with a hard copy—you won’t be hypnotized by the flashing pixels this way.

  • If you’re using a word processor, use the spell-checker, but remember that it won’t catch misspellings like from/form, two/too/to, then/than, of/have.

  • Lightly mark sentences that you’re unsure of, and ask me about them in class next time.

Students who don't pass this essay generally haven’t spent enough time proofreading

 

See Portfolio/Format Guidelines on the main assignments page for guidance on what to include in your portfolio.  Special note on formatting:  You should format this essay like a letter following the basic guidelines in chapter 6b in Bedford with the following exceptions: double-space everything except the return and inside address info; do not put extra breaks between paragraphs beyond the regular double-spacing; and use standard 1/2-inch indentions for paragraphs.  Several of you are continuing to lose points because you do not include writing goals, self-evaluation, and/or unit evaluation. 

Common Problems:  Students often have several common problems with this essay: they don't  1) organize carefully, 2) explain why their proposal should be implemented, 3) show how their solution will solve the problem, 4) target their solution to the audience that has the power to bring about change, 5) refute or accommodate alternative solutions (they just present them); 6) ignore feasibility counterarguments.  These goals must be achieved in order to have a successful proposal essay.  The "Revision" section in the guide to writing has good suggestions for solving problems with your essays.  The revised sample essays we discussed in class are also good models.  Also, don't forget that the the writing center is available to assist you.