Some students have tried all the advice out there about how to edit (also known as proofreading) their essays, and still they get back papers marked in red. They find missing commas and extra ones, misspelled words, sentence fragments and run-on sentences. They feel frustrated, having used every trick in the book they know. What is a student to do?
Check with Free Services First
Unfortunately, automated grammar checkers aren't perfect, so students who have troubles must seek other help. Before shelling out money, what are free services when it comes to proofreading one's essay? Sometimes there are sources out there that cost nothing that students haven't yet considered:
- Students can check with their school to see if free tutoring is available. English tutors are often well-versed in correcting spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. More than that, though, tutors can sometimes explain the corrections in such a way that the student understands the mistake and can correct it himself in the future.
- Check if the school has a writing lab. Writing labs are similar to tutors, but they aren't always as easy to take advantage of as tutors. Writing labs often work on a first come, first served basis, and students who need extra help might not get it. Writing labs may also have different people working at different times. Tutors get to know a student's writing more intimately than people in the writing lab. That said, however, there is a person in the lab who can look over a student's paper and give her suggestions.
- Ask a friend (or several). A lot of students have friends who have a natural grasp of proofreading, and many will help if asked. Students can exchange help (one student who is good with science, for example, can help explain concepts to another student who can proofread papers).
What are Online Editing Services and How Do They Work?
When a student has exhausted all his options, there are online editing services available. However, they come with a price. There are dozens of proofreading/editing sites to be found online, but there are some disadvantages that come with these services:
- Price: Students are sometimes strapped for cash, and throwing one's precious money away for proofreading services might seem extravagant. Further, because the services are online, students will need a credit or debit card or possibly even a PayPal account to pay for those services.
- Time: If a student has an essay due tomorrow, can the editing service return it quickly? If so, how much will it cost when there's a "rush" job?
- Lack of learning: Unlike having a tutor, a proofreading service won't necessarily advise the student on how to correct her errors in the future or give her tips on avoiding those mistakes in the first place. Furthermore, most proofreading services will only edit for errors and not give suggestions for how to revise and enrich one's paper, while people in a writing lab are more likely to do so.
Despite the disadvantages, however, some students might prefer a professional's help. Some advantages to paying for this service might include a "guarantee." Some professionals might offer an assurance that a paper will be error free. Many students are willing to pay for this peace of mind. In addition, a student needs to simply submit his paper; he doesn't need to arrange for a time to meet or wait in line at a writing lab. If a student decides to use an online editing service, it would be wise for him to read reviews of the service and ask questions to make sure the business he has chosen is the right one for him.
Proofreading One's Essay is Important
No matter what route a student decides to take (whether she uses a tutor or pays for online editing), submitting a polished, perfected paper is important. It doesn't matter if a student's essay is for English class or History class; a well-edited paper is not distracting, and professors will focus on the student's words and ideas instead of her errors. Even though an instructor won't necessarily tell students that their papers are well-edited, he will appreciate the effort and grade the paper based solely on content if there are no distracting mistakes.
Cynthia Jones-Shoeman - Cynthia (“Cindy”) Jones-Shoeman earned her MA in English from Colorado State University in 2007; her thesis was "Toni ...
