5 Ridiculously Simple Steps for Research Paper ProofreadingDecember 14, 2018

Writing a research paper requires long hours in front of the computer screen, which doesn't make essay writing (or other forms of paper writing) less difficult to do. No one is pulling a leg.

Finishing a research paper is a feat in itself, but the tedious work does not end here. After a lengthy time that university students would spend on researching, conducting their study, and writing their paper, there's still one final and crucial step that they need to do: proofreading. Grammatical and typographical errors can seriously undermine the quality of the research paper, so students should ensure thorough proofreading of their work. Students aren't unfamiliar with it, having proofread their assignments. They would be experts at it (or so they think). It's not the same as learning how to surf, though. Some might be thinking of Blue Mountains, but there won't be any shortcuts.

Artists would attest the demanding nature of their craft, willing to make some difficult decisions to live by it. (Anyone who has been to London has crossed the Millennium Bridge. A struggling painter is selling his Big Ben illustrations for ten pounds. A good souvenir item, as London's iconic landmark is undergoing renovation. Locals and tourists alike must wait for a few more years. It should be an interesting topic for another paper, though.) Students wouldn't do the same thing due to a variety of reasons. As the O-Week suggests, a round of socialisation would make their time at the university more memorable. They must face their responsibilities, though.

Proofreading takes some time, but it doesn't mean that students must be upset about it (and adopt a glum appearance). If they would make paper writing a top priority, then they wouldn't have a problem with beating the deadline. And they can ask for help. (There's no shame in admitting that they need help. There are lots of guardians angels, and some are horn-rimmed glasses.) There's no reason for doing the waiting game.

To facilitate the process, students must follow a step-by-step guide. A ridiculously simple one after they become familiar with it.

Remember These Words

Let the research paper sit for a while. By leaving the paper for a couple of days or so, university students can gain a new perspective. A few days of not seeing the paper will allow the students to distance themselves from the work, so that when they read it again they can easily spot the errors. Distraction should make them forget about it, which is how they get over the fatigue of writing and reading their paper.

Run the Spelling and Grammar Checking. The fastest, albeit not the most effective, way to proofread a research paper is to run the spelling and grammar checker from word processors. This is not a prescription for students to rely on the computer software alone, though. This is simply a way for them to easily correct the typographical and grammatical errors that the computer can detect. Technology can be helpful in ensuring the high quality of the research paper, so students should use it to their advantage. They must keep in mind of the next item, though.

Read the paper thoroughly. After running the spelling and grammar check from the computer, it's time to do the proofreading manually. Read the research paper thoroughly, as it's highly recommended for students to proofread a hard copy. It should facilitate the editing and the proofreading. Proofreading using a soft copy can have its drawback, as it can be tiresome after half an hour or so. It prompts some students to skip some lines in the text, which must not be done once more. They must get away from the computer screen and go to the window (and enjoy the warm scenery).

Look for common errors. University students should keep in mind of the common mistakes often committed in writing. Check the research paper for subject-verb agreement and pronoun-antecedent agreement. They must also be aware of the dangling modifiers and run-on sentences. They should delete common splices and make sure that the paper has smooth transitions between ideas, paragraphs, or chapters. Professors would question their works otherwise.

Let other students have a look at your research paper. It would not hurt the students to have another set of eyes to edit their research paper. They can request for help of roommates and coursemates (in proofreading their academic papers). They may not have seen what the other students have written, so they are in a better position to spot the possible grammatical lapses or typographical errors. If they do, then there's nothing to be afraid of. (They can read the draft one more time. They can add some information, if not review previous information.)

Race Against Time

It usually happens during the final month of the term, when there are other deadlines to beat. And students must worry about examinations. They can devote their weekend on the coursework, which can be stressful after a while. If they manage their time well (and know their priorities), then they won't encounter major problems.

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