Many students find text editing a boring task. In addition, when you proofread the same piece for hours on end, you can hardly notice grammar, stylistic, or punctuation mistakes. However, with some tricks, the result will improve noticeably.
Below, you’ll get step-by-step instructions on how to edit your essay more effectively. Yet, if you don’t have enough time to write or proofread the paper yourself, you can always find a reliable assistant to do my hw for me. Writing services have great professionals to rely on. With them on your side, low grades or upcoming deadlines will no longer be a problem.
1. Print Your Draft
This recommendation may sound strange, but the paper version of an essay is perceived differently than a digital one. Therefore, you have a chance to notice more mistakes.
- First, read the text out loud. This way, you will be able to use different perception channels and make sure you don’t miss a typo.
- Second, read thoughtfully, with no rush, and avoid just scanning the essay.
- Third, take breaks between proofreading. You need to look at the text with fresh eyes.
You should also reread the essay at least several times but don’t forget to take breaks. You will be surprised how many things can be corrected or improved. A fresh perspective is what’s important.
2. Check Requirements
Students often discover that they hadn’t considered a requirement even after a few rounds of proofreading. In many cases, this happens right before the deadline.
That is why it’s so paramount to study the instructions carefully. If you don’t check them, your work may not be accepted or may be given a low grade. Follow each requirement step-by-step. If you suddenly see that something is missing, correct it at once.
3. Pay Attention to the Thesis
When editing for the first time, we recommend that you avoid focusing on small errors, such as missing punctuation marks or typos. Concentrate on the big picture. Is your idea conveyed in an understandable way? Does the thesis sound specific? Does your vocabulary fit the topic? Logic and consistency should be your best friends. Of course, conclusions should reflect the main idea and highlight the insights.
4. Edit Structure
Typically, an essay is structured according to the following scheme: an introduction with a thesis statement, arguments with examples (three paragraphs), and a conclusion. Walk through the structure. The ideas should flow smoothly. Imagine yourself in the reader’s place. Are there any gaps? Do the arguments sound convincing?
5. Work on Vocabulary
When you write an essay, it is quite tempting to add as many complex terms and “smart” expressions as possible. Yes, professional vocabulary should be present in your work, but use it in moderation. Again, read the text out loud. If it is easy to understand, then the paper is great.
6. Correct Your Grammar and Punctuation
Punctuation can make a sentence strong or totally destroy it. It’s time to turn into a diligent student who notices even the smallest typos. Details such as commas and colons show your approach to work. Want to impress your teacher? Improve the punctuation, too.
As for grammar, we suggest using an AI-based tool named Grammarly. The platform highlights misspelt words and suggests how to correct them in a couple of seconds.
7. Let Someone Read the Essay
Give your work to someone you trust: it may be a professor, a friend, or an acquaintance who is great at noticing even the smallest mistakes in writing. Print out the essay and ask them to correct inaccuracies if there are any. It would be perfect to give the text to several friends. This way, if one doesn’t spot the mistake, the other can fix it.
8. Check the Feedback
Review the comments your friends left for you and make the necessary corrections. If you’re unsure about them, do your research or use digital tools, for example, Grammarly and Hemingway.
9. Reread the Content Again
At this stage, double-check everything: arguments, examples, quotes, rhetorical questions, and so on. In most cases, when we review essays after some time, we find that we can use more original examples, more accurate quotes, etc. Plus, why not send your assignment to a top essay writer? They will make your paper much stronger in no time.
To Wrap It Up
Follow these editing tips step by step, from printing out the essay to rereading it one last time. During the last proofreading attempt, you may sometimes find a missing detail, a wrong punctuation mark, or a redundant phrase that appeared in the text during editing.
Try a change of scenery for more inspiration. For example, if you used to work from home, go to a nearby coffee shop, library, or park. The brain needs new impressions to work more actively, so this is a great way to help yourself. Good luck!