Self-Editing Strategies for International Students
Ghada Gherwash and Andrew Yim
Brought to you in cooperation with the Purdue Online Writing Lab
What’s Your Definition of
Proofreading?
-Read and find the mistakes like grammar, vocabulary,
sentence structure, logic, etc.
-Look for repetitive words or unnecessary phrases
-Read through the entire essay and see how the thoughts
connect wit one another
What’s Your Definition of
Editing?
-To address issues with spelling, grammar, and
mechanics
-To work on format and layout
-To check your citations and make sure your information
is accurate
Editing & Proofreading
Proofreading
Is the process of looking at sentences, word choices, grammar
issues, logic, etc. in greater detail in order find mistakes and
errors.
Editing
Is the process of correcting the issues that you find while
proofreading. It is the other piece of the puzzle when it comes to
finalizing your paper.
Group Activity
1. Find a partner for this activity
2. With your partner, underline any errors you
see and correct them in the provided space
3. When you are finished, be prepared to share
your answers with everyone
Subject-Verb Agreement
1. John and his parents runs everyday.
Correct Answer: John and his parents run everyday.
2. He work at Purdue University.
Correct Answer: He works at Purdue University.
3. The jacket or the shirt are in the closet.
Correct Answer: The jacket or the shirt is in the closet.
4. Andrew or his friends eats the food.
Correct Answer: Andrew or his friends eat the food.
Verb Tense
5. Yesterday I walk to the high school.
Correct Answer: Yesterday I walked to the high school.
6. Tomorrow I run with my friends.
Correct Answer: Tomorrow I will run with my friends.
7. Last year, he take photos of his vacation.
Correct Answer: Last year, he took photos of his vacation.
8. In one year, he run for President.
Correct Answer: In one year from now, he will run for President.
Review
Nouns
Words that name a person, place, object, idea, emotion, or quantity.
Verb
Words that describes and action, state, or occurrence.
Subject /Verb Agreement
Refers to how subjects and verbs must agree (match) in regards to
number.
Verb Tense
A form of a verb that indicates time (e.g., past, present, future)
Your editing
strategies
• Adding or Deleting information when proofreading
• Checking verb tense
• Checking sentence structure
• Adding Transition Words or Sentences
• Simplifing my sentences by extracting main ideas
• Writing in active voice instead of passive voice
• Reading Aloud
• Rearranging Ideas
Self-editing strategies
• Read your Paper Aloud
• Determine the types of errors you make frequently and
figure out how to correct these errors
• Avoid repetition and wordiness
• Avoid tense shift
• Keep in mind that you are writing for others
Additional Information
For additional information, please see the following
resources on the Purdue OWL:
• owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/601/01
• owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/599/01
• owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/718/01
The End
Self-Editing Strategies for International Students
By Ghada Gherwash and Andrew Yim
With Joshua M. Paiz
Brought to you in cooperation with the Purdue Online Writing Lab