PEER EDITING AND PROOFREADING

Editing is the process of checking and revising the content of what you or another student has written.
Proofreading corrects the mechanics of form. Always edit first, then proofread.

1. Editing: finding the main idea and eliminating unnecessary information.

  a) First, make sure that the thesis or issue is stated clearly in the introductory paragraph and state in writing whether it
     is or not.
  b) Next, make sure that the ideas included in the composition are relevant to the development of the main idea.
    Material is irrelevant when it does not help to advance or to clarify the main topic of discussion.   Say if it is not.
  c) Check that the argument is divided into distinct ideas each within its own paragraph.  Say if there are too many ideas within a single paragraph and tell writer to divide the paragraph up into smaller ones..
  d) Check that the argument is logical and convincing both within and between paragraphs.
  e) Make sure that there are logical TRANSITIONS between the ideas expressed in successive paragraphs and
   logical LINKS ("Liens") between sentences within each paragraph. 
  f) make sure that the argument is supported by specific references to the text (quotes, summaries, references
    to specific passages or characters, etc.)
  g) make sure that the concluding paragraph does more than restate the thesis or issue in the introductory paragraph.  It should
    explain how the overall paper has given evidence for the thesis or developed the issue.

2. Proofreading: agreement, spelling, accentuation, grammar

After making sure that the main idea is clear, supporting details are relevant, argument is logical, and well-supported, check for mechanical errors.   Check that:
  a) verbs agree with subjects
  b) adjectives agree with nouns
  c) past participles agree with the subject (être) or the preceding direct object (avoir).
  d) spelling of any words about which you are unsure is marked.
  e) accents are not absent or that they are correct.
  f)  any other grammar errors you might note are marked.

3.  Only circle errors.  Do not correct the errors.  Mark the type of error next to your circle (See lists of abbreviations for typical composition and grammar errors.)