lecture 13-17 tech writing1
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Creating Effective Power Point Presentations lecture 13
OverviewPlanning Your PresentationWriting Your PresentationDesigning Your PresentationPresenting Your Presentation
Planning Your PresentationAudiencePurposeTopicPresentation Management
Writing Your PresentationDesigning Your PresentationPresenting Your Presentation
Planning Your Presentation Audience
Who is your audience?Is your audience a layperson, executive, technician,expert? Or a combination?What are the characteristics and concerns of your audience?How will you meet the needs of your audience?
What does your audience want?A presentation that is more than just reading slidesA clear idea of what you are talking aboutInformation they can actually use
Not so much information that they cant rememberNot so little information that they wonder why they even listened to you
Slides with enough information, but not too much
A lively, interesting presentation that doesnt send them to sleep
Planning Your Presentation PurposeWhy are you giving the presentation?
To inform and increase level of expertise on presented topic My specific purpose is toinform the audience about the role of the two-party system inAmerican politics.To persuade listeners with presented argument My specific purpose is to persuade theaudience of the need for stiffer penalties for running red lights.To sell a presented product My desired outcome is to have you buy thisproduct.
Planning Your Presentation Topic
What is the purpose of exploring this topic?Determine if your purpose is:
To provide an overview of a broad topic or related topicsTo provide an in-depth presentation of a specific subsection of a topicHow do you break the topic down?
Determine the natural subsections of your topicDelegate tasks/subsections among group members
Planning Your Presentation Project Management
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How do you meet your deadline?Create an internal timeline with milestones and reviews
Build in time for content reviews, grammar edits, merging document portions, and ensuringformat and style guide are applied consistently
Consider choosing a facilitator to oversee project managementCreate checks and balances for completing assignmentsNotify the instructor of any issues
Writing Your PresentationInformation
ResearchSelection
Organization
Information ResearchUse reputable sources for research such as academic articles, interviews with professionals,books, etc.Document information sources with citation numbers throughout and corresponding referenceslides at the endCollect more information than you need for the slidesAnticipate questions the audience might have when researching your topic
Information SelectionPresent essential information: not too little
Information on slides should be self-explanatory and completeA number, cryptic sentence, or unexplained image is not useful informationSlides should clearly present the content of the presentation in an obvious way and developthe basic ideas clearly
Present essential information: not too muchLeave out minute or insignificant details
Limit use of examples and tangential informationExclude unnecessary or contradictory information
Writing Your PresentationInformationOrganization
Establish Structure of ContentReinforce Structure Through Slide CompositionStrengthen Overall Flow with TransitionsMaintain Structure and Flow on Content Slides
Organization
Establish Structure of ContentA presentation with effective organization:
Uses structure to organize information logicallyPresents information in a familiar sequence (such as from general to specific, simple tocomplex, chronological/sequential, or parts of a whole)Breaks down complex ideas into smaller concepts and addresses them one by oneHelps your audience link concepts and provides contextAnswers your audiences questions before they think to ask them
A presentation with effective structure:Uses headings to identify main concepts and create a structural hierarchy of informationLeads your audience through the topic and subsections
Keeps the audience focused on content through clearly developed slidesKeeps audience oriented in the overall presentation and clearly demonstrates how each
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part relates to the wholeTo develop a presentation with effective structure:
Develop the structure of the presentation on paper before you create slidesWrite out information to be presented on slides, paper, post-its, note cards, etc.
Arrange, group, and rearrange information for most effective flow and comprehensionCut and paste information in Microsoft Word or PowerPoint to achieve most intuitive structure
Group related items together and ensure information flows smoothly from one group to thenextOrganize and move around groupings until the order becomes clear, logical, and intuitive
Organization Reinforce Structure Through Slide CompositionCreate an overview slide of main headings to outline what you are going to tell the audience
Make the 1st slide a title slide and 2nd slide an overview of the presentation with mainheadings listedRepeat the overview slide at the beginning of each new section if presentation is lengthy toorient viewerPlace only main points on overview slides
Follow the outline throughout the presentationOrient audience during the presentation by repeating main headings on individual slide titles
Title Slide:Contains title of presentation, date, presenter name
Overview Slide:Establishes the outline of the presentation and order of conceptsIdentifies main level headings of the presentationIncludes sub-levels headings only if the presentation contains few main level headings
Content Slides:Repeats main level heading, if necessary, to keep audience orientedAdds detailed information to the outlineAccommodates all necessary information with unlimited number of slides
Final Slide:Summarizes content in easy-to-remember bullets for audiencePresents a list of pros and cons if appropriate
Organization Strengthen Overall Flow with TransitionsBuild flow into your presentation to lead your audience from:
Main topic to main topicSlide to slidePoint to pointBullet to bulletSub-bullet to sub-bullet
Transition smoothly between slidesRepeat keywords from previous slide to provide transitionTitle slides to clearly indicate:
How the current slide fits in with the structure of the overall presentationThe relationship between ideas presented on the slides immediately preceding andfollowing the current one
Organization Maintain Structure and Flow on Content SlidesContinue principles of organization and flow on individual content slidesOrder bullets on each content slide in the most intuitive sequence for the audienceMake sure bullets are grammatically parallel and are logical sub points of their main point
Show relationship of main points to sub-pointsState your point completely and succinctly in the main bullet
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Add 2-3 important details or examples as sub-bulletsUse parallel structure to show relationship between bullet point
Be mindful of slide density on content slidesWrite a maximum of 2 lines per bullet, if possibleLimit to 6-8 bullets per slideAvoid long sentencesKeep slides simple and understandable in a few secondsIf a slide contains too much information, split it in two
Use grammar and punctuation consistentlyAvoid abbreviations and acronyms not obvious to audienceEliminate personal pronounsAvoid articles when it makes senseUse whole sentences or fragments, but be consistentLimit punctuation marks and use punctuation consistentlyUse present tense when possible
Designing Your PresentationTemplatesFormatFontVisuals
TemplatesChoose template carefully
Background images and busy templates distract from contentUnobtrusive templates showcase contentText should contrast strongly with background
Dark text on a light background are easy to read both on the projector and on handoutsChoose a color scheme and template that will not empty the toner when you print handoutsUse slide master feature for consistent and simple design template
Change slide master settings at View Master Slide MasterMake changes to the fonts, sizes and look of master slide as needed
Add copyright, name, date, and phrases like confidential in slide master footer for companyslidesDesign your own presentation template if you have the time and ability
Designing Your PresentationTemplates
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FormatFontVisuals
FormatUse font, size, and color consistently and parallel in titles, text and bulletsUse the same transitions and animations for whole presentation
Transitions should be quick and unnoticeableBe aware fancy animations are distracting and become annoying quickly
Designing Your PresentationTemplatesFormatFontVisuals
FontUse font size 24 - 48 point to make sure slides can be read from the back of the roomFont size under 20 is nearly unreadable from a distance
Use only sans serif fonts since serif fonts and fancy fonts can be hard to readDONT WRITE TEXT IN ALL CAPITAL LETTERS; IT IS DIFFICULT TO READBe careful with colorsUse colors for emphasis but plan wellUse as few different fonts and sizes as possibleUse sans serif fonts for a clean look and readabilityUse font size to indicate hierarchy
Make the font size of titles larger than textUse a smaller font for sub-bullets or body text
Designing Your Presentation
TemplatesFormatFontVisuals
UsesTypes
Visuals UsesUse graphics to depict:
Objects, parts, or features of an objectActions or movements
Orientation or positionConcepts or a progression of ideas
Summarize and condense information and make it easy to access through a visualAllow international communication
VisualsGenerally, you should be able to explain a graph or a table in a few minutesOverly dense graphics are difficult to follow
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If necessary, break up into several slidesBe sure not to use a font size under 22 points for tables or graphics to keep them readableTables or graphics imported directly from print material are generally bad for slides
Fonts are too smallInformation is generally too crowded and denseMade for close-up reading, not distant viewing on a screen
Visuals TypesFlowcharts and other conceptual drawingsGraphs and chartsGraphicsTables
Use graphs rather than just charts and wordsData in graphs is easier to comprehend and retain than raw dataTrends are easier to visualize in graph form
Always title graphs
Visuals Types: Graphics
Use professional photographs, not clipartMake sure images maintain impact and resolution when projected on a large screen
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Visuals Types: GraphicsExample of a bad graphic:
Visuals Types:TablesTables organize information for quick comparison
Presenting Your PresentationRehearsalTestingInteractionHandouts
Rehearsal
Use slides as a guideSlides only give audience basic information you fill out orally
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Never consider slides a substitute for oral presentationUse the slides as reference, not as exclusive information
PowerPoint slides are an aid for the presentation, not the presentation it selfAudience wants to hear what YOU have to say on the topic, not just read slides
Navigate slides with easeSpend enough time as necessary to explain a slideSplit an information dense slide into more than one slide
Rehearsal Single PresenterPractice introducing yourself and the topicSynchronize your spoken presentation with your slidesIf you encourage note-taking, allow audience time to do so and include in timing presentationPlan your presentation to allow time at the end for questions and answersPractice non-linear navigation in PowerPoint to allow jumping ahead or back without pagingthrough all slides
Rehearsal Multiple PresentersCombine individual presentations into one before presentation dayDetermine how to break down total presentation time among presenters and their respectivesubsectionsDecide who introduces the group and topicEstimate correctly how long it really takes to cover all information among presentersPractice a smooth transition from one presenter to the next
Transfer the controls and move on smoothly without interruptionPractice introduction of next speaker and topic
Do a practice run of the entire presentation with transitions with all presenters presentEnsure all presenters have sufficient time for their portion of the presentationAllow for extra feedback on each presenter individuallyAllow time for questions
Rehearsal
Important Navigation ShortcutsPractice shortcuts to make moving around in presentation easy
Up, Page Up, Mouse Wheel Up: Previous SlideDown, Page Down, Mouse Wheel Down, Left-Click:Next SlideType number and press ENTER: go to specific slide. NO visual feedback as number isenteredB Blank screen: displays black screen. Useful if you want audience to stop readingW White screen. Displays white screen. Similar to 'B', but less jarring if presentation hasa white backgroundA Hide pointer. Makes on-screen arrow cursor go away. Cursor normally disappears if notmoved for a few seconds
CTRL-P Pen mode. Lets you write on your presentation. Not recommended for manylaptop pointing devicesE Erase pen marksEsc - Terminate slide showF5 Start slide show
Presenting Your Presentation
RehearsalTesting
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InteractionHandouts
TestingTest presentation on actual presentation system BEFORE presentation
Things can and do go wrongOne system may have different versions and requirements and than another system andthe presentation cannot runSlides may be unreadable from back seats and have to be changedUnusual fonts may be unreadable on a different system
Bring presentation on several media in case one source fails.Use a memory stick or CDSend as an attachment to an online email accountPrint handouts for audience
Presenting Your PresentationRehearsalTestingInteractionHandouts
InteractionDont read fromyour slides. Slides are for the audience, not you.Dont read toyour slides. Face the audience, not the screen.Dont apologize for your slides. If a slide is hard to read or unclear, dont use it.Dont turn off all lights. Light keeps the audience from falling asleep and lets them take notes ifthey want.Do interact with and engage your audience.Speak at a comfortable speed. Do not speed up to cover more information!If you have a hard time talking to groups, present to a few members in the audience in different
locations of the room.Remember, you know more than your audience and they want to learn from you!Remember that a good presentation is a story
Give a brief overview of information at the startPresent informationReview important points in the conclusion
Allow for audience responses and questions
Presenting Your PresentationRehearsalTesting
InteractionHandouts
HandoutsProvide a hard copy of your slides to allow viewers to focus on you, not note takingIf you are a knowledgeable and engaging presenter, dont worry that the audience wont listen toyouHandouts allow the audience to take notes directly on relevant slidesPresentation should still make sense if all the audience has is the handout
Effective Persuasion
Developing Persuasive Documents lecture 14
Overview
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This presentation will cover: The persuasive context The role of the audience What to research and cite How to establish yourcredibility
What is Persuasive Writing?
Definition: persuasive writing...seeks to convince its readers to embrace the point-of-view presented by appealing to theaudiences reason and understanding through argument and/or entreaty.
Persuasive Genres
You encounter persuasion every day. TV Commercials Letters to the Editor Junk mail Magazine ads College brochuresCan you think of other persuasive contexts?
Steps for Effective Persuasion
Understand your audience Support your opinion Know the various sides of your issue Respectfully address other points of view Find common ground with your audience Establish your credibility
When to Persuade an Audience
Your organization needs funding for a project Your boss wants you to make recommendations for a course of action You need to shift someones current point of view to build common ground so action can be taken
Understanding Your Audience
Who is your audience? What beliefs do they hold about the topic? What disagreements might arise between you and your audience? How can you refute counterarguments with respect?
Understanding Your AudienceWhat concerns does your audience face?For example:
Do they have limited funds to distribute? Do they feel the topic directly affects them? How much time do they have to consider your document?
Help your audience relate to your topic Appeal to their hearts as well as theirminds.
Use anecdotes when appropriate Paint your topic in with plenty of detailInvolve the readers senses in these sections
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Researching an Issue
Become familiar with allsides of an issue.-find common ground -understand the history of the topic-predict the counterarguments your audience might make-find strong support for your own perspective
Find common ground with your audienceFor example:
Point of Opposition: You might support a war, whereas your audience might not.Common ground: Both sides want to see their troops come home.
Predict counterarguments Example:Your Argument: Organic produce from local Farmers Markets is better than store-boughtproduce.The Opposition: Organic produce is too expensive.
Researching an Issue
One Possible Counterargument:Organic produce is higher in nutritional value than store-bought produce and is also free ofpesticides, making it a better value. Also, store-bought produce travels thousands of miles, and thecost of gasoline affects the prices of food on supermarket shelves.
Support Your Perspective
Appeal to the audiences reason Use statistics and reputable studies
Cite experts on the topic Do they back up what you say? Do they refute the other side?
Cite Sources with Some Clout
Which source would a reader find more credible? The New York Times http://www.myopinion.com
Which person would a reader be more likely to believe? Joe Smith from Fort Wayne, IN Dr. Susan Worth, Prof. of Criminology at Purdue University
Establish Credibility
Cite credible sources Cite sources correctly and thoroughly Use professional language (and design)
Edit out all errors
Cite Sources Ethically
Dont misrepresent a quote or leave out important information.Misquote: Crime rates were down by 2002, according to Dr. Smith.Actual quote: Crime rates were down by 2002, but steadily began climbing again a year later,said to Dr. Smith.
Tactics to Avoid
Dont lecture or talk down to your audience Dont make threats or bully your reader
Dont employ guilt trips Be careful if using thesecond person, you
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Have More Questions?
Visit us at the Writing Lab Heavilon Hall 226 4-3723 http://owl.english.purdue.edu/writinglab
Visit us online at the OWL http://owl.english.purdue.edu
Writing Engineering Reports- lecture 15
Overview
This presentation will cover: Report purpose and planning Report format and organization Headings and language Visual design Source documentationFinishing touches
Report Purpose
Describe research Explain problem or issue studiedDiscuss research methodDescribe data collectedDescribe research findings Explain implications
Report Purpose
Inform readers of research results precisely, concisely, and specificallyThey shouldnt have to read whole report to get essential points
Report Planning
Before writing, consider: Why you are writing What you hope to achieve Who you are writing for
These considerations will determine your reports content, organization, textual
and visual design
Report Format and Organization
Reports generally include these sections in this order: Abstract Introduction Literature ReviewMethodology
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ResultsDiscussion Conclusion
But be aware that order is flexible in that sections can be combined Some journals combine introduction and literature review Others have the results and discussion combined
Report Format and Organization
AbstractAlwayscomes first Microcosm of entire paper contains key info from each section
Contains essential information onlyit is brief! Covers research highlights Gives the research problem and/or main objective of the research Indicates the methodology used Presents the main findings and conclusions
Abstract Example:
A nonlinear finite element procedure for the pre- and postbuckling analysis of thin-walled box-section beam-columns is presented. The influence of local plate buckling upon the overall ultimatebuckling behavior of the member is incorporated in the analysis by adopting a set of modified-stress versus strain curves for axially loaded plates. Factors such as residual stresses, associated withhot-rolled and cold-formed sections, and initial geometrical imperfections are Accounted for in theanalysis. A number of examples are presented todemonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the method.
From Elasto-Plastic Analysis of Box-Beam-Columns Including Local Buckling
Effects in Journal of Structural Engineering.
Report Format and Organization Background/Introduction
Explains the research problem and its context Explains importance of the problem (Why does it matter? Why is more information needed?) Explains reason and goals for study Explains the limitations of the research performed
You want your reader to fully understand the significance of your research
Report Format and Organization
Literature Review
Summarizes and evaluatesthe literature that you have used in your study by considering: How that literature has contributed to your area of research The strengths and weaknesses of previous studies How that literature informs your own researchand understanding of the research problem
Report Format and Organization
Methodology Explains how data was gathered/generated Explains how data was analyzed Assumes reader understands material Does not include explanatory material
Is in past tenseand passive voice A 1 piece of coil was cut
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The research has been carried out It is the research, and not your activities, that are of interest
Report Format and Organization
Results Visually andtextually represents research findings
Visual representation of results: Graphs, tables, diagrams, charts
Explanatory text: Text points out the most significant portions of research findingsIndicates key trends or relationships Highlights expected and/or unexpected findings
Report Format and Organization
Discussion Assesses and comments on research results Includes:
Explanation for Results Comments on unexpected results, offering hypothesis for them
Comparison to literature Does your research confirm previous studies? Deviate from them?
Explanation for how info can be applied in broader context
Report Format and Organization
Summary Discusses:
What was learned through research What remains to be learned Weaknesses and shortcomings of study
Strengths of study Possible applications of study (how it can be used) Recommendations
Organizational Considerations
Your audience, purpose, and contents should influence your report organization andformat Example: your professor may have very specific guidelines Carefully consider your decisions
Headings and Subheadings
Headings and subheadings guide readers attention Can be used to keep track of various parts of project:For example: Making Components, Assembling Components, and Testing Assembly They should be:
Specific and helpfulUsed to break up text and chunk information
Used to guide readers attention Example of vague heading:
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The use of some computing technologies incertain engineering classrooms Example of specific heading:Using Matlab in the Freshman engineering classroom
Language and Vocabulary
Reports should be easily accessible Be straightforward and concise Use simple terms, not jargon and technical terms
Keep sentences short and simple (20 words max) Be specific and not general Use concrete numbers and metaphors or similes
Visual Design
A reports visual design can make orbreak its communication success Visual Design includes: Use of graphs and other graphics Use of white space Graphics: Should be used to illustrate specific pointsShould be incorporated in a way that is natural to reports content/contextShould be explained fully in text using references such as Fig. 1 shows... Should be cited if taken from a source
Graphics a caveat Graphics do notspeak for themselves! For this reason, textual information should come beforegraphics.
Visual Design
General layout should focus readers on key informationUse white space to guide readers attention Created through use of headings, subheadings, and visuals
Source Documentation
Cite sources whenever you are quoting, paraphrasing, or summarizing work that is notyour own Quoting directly is discouraged Sourcesinclude: Books Journal, magazine, or newspaper articles Interviews
Conference Proceedings Lectures
Source Documentation
Citing: Shows your credibility as a researcher Gives proper credit to authors and researchers Protects you from accusations of plagiarism
Source Documentation
Use APA or other specified format fordocumentation Check online for style guides
http://owl.english.purdue.eduhttp://www.apastyle.org/
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Check journals for format info
Finishing Touches
Usability Testing Have a colleague read your report for clarity, organization, and visual design
Check your sources for proper citations Proofread carefully or better yet, ask someone to do it for you
lecture 16
THE PURPOSE OF DRAFTING & REVISION
To improve your documents effectiveness
To improve your documents quality
LEVELS OF EDITING
Level 1: Revision global editing . Attention to subject, purpose, readers, and context of use.
Level 2: Substantive editing - attention to content, organization and document design.
Level 3: Copyediting attention to style for clarity, persuasion and consistency.
Level 4: Proofreading attention to grammar, typos, usage problems, and spelling.
LEVEL 1 EDITING - REVISING
Subject - need to be narrowed/broadened?
Did you stray?
Purpose What did you want to achieve?
Is purpose still the same?Reader
Have you learned more?
Secondary, tertiary, gatekeeper concerns addressed?
Context of use has this changed?
Has your understanding of physical places where document will be used changed or
expanded?
Has there been a change in circumstances (e.g. political, economic) which are part of the
context of use?
Has your understanding of the context of use changed?
LEVEL 2 EDITING - SUBSTANTIVEContent Search for digressions or gaps in content
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Organization Conformance to genre, identifiable introduction, body, conclusion.
Design Focussed on the readers and context of use of the document.
LEVEL 3 EDITING - COPYEDITING
Sentences - are they clear and concise?
Are subjects and verbs easy to locate?
Are the sentences breathing length?
Paragraphs does each paragraph have a clear topic (claim) and adequate support?
Headings do they reflect the content which follows and have clear levels?
Graphics are graphs and figures accurate and supportive with respect to the text?
LEVEL 4 EDITING - PROOFREADING
Grammar
Punctuation
Spelling and Typos
Word Usage (see Fig 12.8, p316 of text)
How to test your document for USABILITY
DOCUMENT CYCLING
After you have revised your document, it can be useful to get opinions from colleagues.
Send your document around to colleagues and ask them to read it and give you ideas forimprovement.
Quality feedback loop
this feedback must come back to you so that you have a chance to incorporate it (or reject it) as
necessary before finalizing the document.
USABILITY TESTING
Get readers to try out the document to make sure it is useful for them.
Informal usability testing
Ask other people to look at document and indicate difficult passages.
Formal usability testing
Testing in a formal environment (usability laboratory) with experiments to test understandingand usage of the document.
USABILITY TEST CRITERIA
Read-and-locate: Can they find it?
Understandability: Can they understand it?
Performance: Can they do it?
Safety Tests: Is the documented process safe?
Measure results against the documents objectives
PROOFREADING- lecture 17
OBJECTIVES
To encourage good proofreading habits.
To develop good proofreading skills.
To learn how to revise your writing to make it more coherent. Proofreading Basics
BASICS
WHAT IS PROOFREADING
Searching your writing for errors.
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Grammatical
Typographical
Ideally, this is done before submitting your work!
An assignment
To an audience (e.g. manager, client)
Proofreading abbreviated to proofing for short
GENERAL TIPS
Take a break between writing and proofing
Plan ahead to leave yourself enough time to proofreadRead what youve written aloud how do you sound?
Pretend youre the audience
MAKE IT PERSONAL
What errors do you usually make?
Have a look at the feedback you get from me (and other instructors) about your writing.
Do you make the same sort of errors regularly?
Devise strategies to search for and correct the errors you make more frequently than others
Searching for errors you might have made in your writing
FINDING COMMON ERRORSSEARCHING FOR ERRORS
Spelling
Omitted/doubled words
Fragment sentences
Run-on sentences
Subject/verb agreement
Mixed construction
Parallelism
Pronoun Reference/Agreement
Apostrophes
SPELLING
Software spell checkers are not infallible!
There are some easy spelling mistakes to make:
Words including ei or ie
Homonyms (e.g. your/youre, to/too/two, there/their/theyre)
As you proof your work, use a pen or your finger to follow the sentence word by word. This can help
you spot spelling mistakes!
OMITTED AND DOUBLED WORDS
It is easy, especially when typing quickly, to leave out a word from a sentence.
It is also easy to double-up a word.
Sometimes you can also include a second word which is different from the first but which means
the same thing.
Easiest to find by reading what you have written out-loud
FRAGMENT SENTENCES
Each sentence should have a subject.
Each sentence should have a complete verb.
Each sentence should have an independent clause.
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Dependent clause example (avoid this): Which is the reason this sentence is a fragment.
RUN-ON SENTENCES
Does the sentence include more than one independent clause?
If so, are they separated by punctuation?
If not, can they be turned into separate sentences or be divided by punctuation?
MIXED CONSTRUCTION
Make sure your sentence does not start with one structure and end with another:
Since I have a lot of work to do is why I cant go to the mall tonight.Keep the same structure throughout:
Since I have a lot of work to do, I cant go to the mall tonight.
PRONOUN REFERENCE/AGREEMENT
Skim your paper, stopping at each pronoun.
Search for the noun that the pronoun replaces.
If you cant find any noun, insert one beforehand or change it from a pronoun into a noun.
If you can find a noun, make sure it agrees in numberandperson with your pronoun.
APOSTROPHES
This is a common error by students who are native English speakers too!Plurals do not need apostrophes before thes.
Possession requires an apostrophe.
Example:
Marys books
Mary owns the books (possessive apostrophe)
There are plural books (no apostrophe)
Does this make any sense?
REVISING FOR COHESION
COHESION
Cohesion, with respect to writing, means that your thoughts come together and build on eachother.
In a cohesive document, each sentence makes sense with respect to the sentence which preceded
it.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
Do the sentences hang together?
Is it easy to move from one sentence to the next?
Are the sentences of a paragraph unified with each other?
Is it easy to identify a topic for each paragraph?
COHESIVE SENTENCES
A sentence should begin with a concept familiar to the reader.
By the time the sentence ends, the reader should anticipate how it will end.
If the reader is surprised by the ending of the sentence, they have become lost during the
sentence. The sentence lacks cohesion.
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