For example, your instructor may require the following format: Times New Roman 12‐point type, double‐spaced text, 1‐inch margins, a title page, inserted page numbers, and running heads. If you are doing an assignment for a course, be sure to check with the instructor regarding the format requirements for your paper. You can use your computer's word‐processing and layout functions to produce a professional‐looking final draft. It's a good idea to evaluate every instance of a misspelled word rather than using the automatic, Replace All command. However, use caution with the Replace All command, or you could replace one error with another. If you use your computer's grammar‐check function, do so critically.Ī search‐and‐replace function lets you correct a particular error throughout your paper automatically. The checker may also flag contractions and every sentence ending with a preposition -“errors” that current usage permits. Some grammar‐checkers flag possible usage problems and passive constructions, but they also flag every sentence beginning with a conjunction ( for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). For example, grammar‐checkers may catch pronoun agreement and reference errors, but not dangling participles or faulty parallelism. Many writers don't use these functions at all, and unless you already have a good grasp of grammar, these functions can be misleading. Grammar‐ or style‐checkers require even more caution, because grammar and style are less clear‐cut than spelling. Use the spell‐checker as an aid, not as a replacement for your own careful proofreading. Spell‐checking also doesn't distinguish between words that sound alike but are spelled differently and have different meanings ( it's/its, here/hear, their/they're/there). But the spell‐checker won't flag a word that is actually a word, even if it isn't the one you intended -for example, if you inadvertently type form for from. Spell-check, grammar-check, and search-and-replace functionsĪ spell‐check function is useful for catching misspelled words, typos, and accidental repetitions ( the the). Remember that good writing requires deliberation, evaluation, and judgment. Because most of us can type quickly on a computer, our fingers may get ahead of our thoughts. Another advantage of printing out your essay is that it forces you to slow down and read carefully. Scrolling up and down in a long, complex document can be confusing. Working on the screen limits you to a small section of text. For more global editing, however, many writers like to print out sections or complete drafts, mark them up by hand, and then go back to the computer to input the changes. If you think of a better way to say what you've just said, make the change immediately and move on. You can do much of your editing directly on the screen. While you can quickly handwrite research notes or an outline for your paper, you may want to use a computer to produce a first draft that's legible and easy to edit. As you rewrite, you may continue to discover wordy constructions, poor connections, awkward sentences, and other issues. You may be able to move directly from your revised first draft to a final draft, but careful writers often prepare several drafts before they are satisfied with a piece. Quiz: Checklists for Improving Your First Draft.Getting Started with Revising and Editing.Checklists for Improving Your First Draft.Writing From Introduction to Conclusion.Getting Started with Your Research Paper.Quiz: The Importance of Specific Details.How to Research and Organize Your Writing.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |