6. Proofreading to Catch Errors

After you compose your message, you need to proofread. You dont want to spend a lot of time composing the message and then have the reader misunderstand it because of poor grammar or punctuation.

What questions should you ask yourself when proofreading? Check all that apply.

A) Have I followed standard formatting guidelines?

B) Should I send a letter or an e-mail?

C) Did I check for inaccuracies?

D) Are my introductory clauses followed by a comma?

Determine the problem in the following sentence.

Everyone must learn how to work their new computer.

A) Grammar

B) Punctuation

C) Names and numbers

Read the scenario, and then answer the question.

You are in the process of preparing the final draft of an important proposal. Accuracy will be extremely important to the success of this proposal.

Which of the following proofreading strategies would be most appropriate for this situation?

A) Print a double-spaced copy of the report, read the message at least twice, and enlist a proofreading buddy.

B) As you begin to proofread, tell yourself that you wont find any errors because the document should be fairly clean by this point.

C) Proof electronically, using the down arrow to reveal one line at a time as you look for misspellings and small mistakes.

Which of the following items should be on your revision checklist? Check all that apply.

A) Enlist complex phrasing.

B) Tighten your writing.

C) Control exuberance.

D) Expand adjective use.

E) Evaluate your final product.