1. Save proofreading until you are in the final stages of refining your essay. You might want to take a break and come back to the essay with fresh eyes. Reserve about a half hour for careful proofreading.
2 . Do some proofreading on screen, some on a hard copy. Don't depend on only one method of proofreading.
3. Run the "Spell-Check" on your word processing program. Be sure to consult a dictionary while using the spell-checker. Also remember that the spell-checker will not catch homonyms (to, too . two), commonly confused words (effect , affect), nor common typographical errors (from, form).
4. Read your essay aloud slowly. This will help you to catch errors that your mind would otherwise silently correct. Watch for places where you stumble or have to reread; these are probably trouble spots.
5. Block out one line at a time. If not proofreading on a computer screen, simply use two sheets of paper, lining them up so that only one line of your essay shows at any given time. Then read through your essay one line at a time.
6. When you have finished reading the essay one line at a time, read the essay backward one line at a time.
7. Have someone else read your paper aloud to you. Your tutor can assist you with this.
8. If you have particular recurring errors, see if you can find a way to use your word processor's "Search" function. Your tutor can help you invent some useful strategies here.
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