Never forget to edit!

It’s amazing how many students don’t even read over their paper once before handing it in, especially in their early years at university. Your paper is not done until you’ve edited it! When you finish that last sentence, can’t stand to look at the paper for one more minute, and are desperate to be free of it, force yourself to do at least one edit. The edit might very well be the difference between a C+ and a B, or a B+ and an A!

If all you have time for is one edit, read through it out loud. This will allow you to notice a lot! For example, reading your essay aloud will help you to realize the follow: when you’ve forgotten a simple word (and, or, it, etc.,); a period; a comma; to capitalize a name or institution; to end a quote; or to site a source.

Now, if you have a bit more time, ask someone else to edit your essay. If you get a friend to edit your essay, ask them to look for the basic types of mistakes you’ve already looked for when you read the essay aloud. Additionally, this editor can let you know if you’ve provided sufficient information on your subject. Be careful not to assume the person (professor) reading your final paper has done as much research on the subject as you have.

It’s also a good idea to get someone who has studied \ researched your topic to read it over before you hand it in. This may be difficult, but perhaps you can find someone else in the class who has some knowledge on your topic. The edit will allow your paper to go through a more critical edit, which is always beneficial.