CORRECTION SYMBOLS ESL 420
Mistakes can help you learn. Your teacher will mark the errors on your papers with the symbols shown
below. Study these symbols carefully. When you get a paper back, go over it carefully. Try to correct the
mistakes by yourself. Then ask for help if you need it.
wc
word choice - Use a different word or words.
wf
word form - Use a different part of speech (noun, verb, adj, adv).
sp
spelling - Check the spelling in a dictionary.
vt
verb tense - Use the correct tense.
vf
verb form - Use the correct form.
agr
agreement - The subject and verb should agree in number.
ss
sentence structure - Check the subjects, verbs, and conjunctions.
p
punctuation - Add or correct the punctuation.
sg, pl - singular, plural - Use the correct form.
nc
No connecting word
wc
Wrong connecting word
^
Add a word
X
Omit a word
?
I don’t understand what you mean
Please see me.
See me before or after class.
Correct and show me. Correct the mistake and show it to me!
Paragraph Organization
1.
2.
3.
4.
Title
Topic Sentence (map)
Body-support sentences (examples)
Concluding Sentence
GRADING COMMENTS
Excellent or Very Good = A 9-10
Good = B 8
Satisfactory = C 7
Unsatisfactory = D 6
Unacceptable = F 5 or less