Academic Essay Tutorial - Chapter 8: Proofreading - by homeworkvan

Chapter 8: Proofreading

1.        Plagiarism Checking

 How to Avoid Plagiarism:

a)     Always ensure you paraphrase –After finding information that can be used in your paper, you should read the content and present the ideas into your own words. For every three or more words that copied in sequence from a research document, ensure you utilize quotation marks.

b)     Always cite – Use citations aligned with the particular formatting guide approved by the instructor to avoid plagiarism. Inappropriate citation can be considered plagiarism.

c)     Quote whenever applicable – Scholars should ensure quoted works are written exactly as they appear in the source material. When quoting, always include the page number. Most institutions do not approve on the overuse of quotations. Hence, improve on your paraphrasing skills.

d)     Citing any Personal Material – If you use material that was used by your in the current or a previous class, ensure you cite yourself otherwise it may be considered as self-plagiarism, and will not be tolerated.

e)     Add References – Include a reference or works cited page (depending on the formatting guidelines) as the last page of the research paper. Only reference works that were cited in your research paper. 

2.      Writers’ Checklist

When you are done with your paper, kindly follow the guidelines below to confirm whether you have met all of the points required before submitting the work.

a. Grammar, punctuation, syntax

1.      Avoid the use of first person plurals (us, we).

2.      Leave only one space after use of punctuation marks. Also review punctuation marks to ensure they are used correctly.

3.      Know the differences between the indefinite articles (a, an) and the definite article (the).

4.      Avoid use of exclamation marks.

5.      Avoid the use of the first person singular (I) or providing personal opinions except when requested or the assignment is an opinion essay, personal statement, opinion essays, reflection papers, or admission papers.

6.      Never capitalize common nouns.

7.      Avoid asking questions, including rhetorical questions.

8.      Avoid using the verb ‘says’. For instance “Jane (2009) says….”

9.      Avoid using the word like, for example in saying 'like mobiles, tablets...' and use other more formal words for example 'such as mobiles, tablets....'.

10.   Use 'For instance....' instead of 'For example.....'

11.   Never use colloquial terms or expressions.

12.   You should never use the empty adverbs such as basically, actually, really, essentially.

13.   One should never exaggerate or use hyperbolic words such as huge, magnificent or glorious.

14.   Ensure that there is subject-verbs agreement in your paper (singular and plural).

15.   Always ensure that you use the present tense. Avoid the usage of future tense unless you are talking about future events.

16.   Avoid the usage of the present continuous tense. For example, Is thinking

17.   Ensure that there is verb-preposition agreement in your paper.

18.   Always check all spellings.

19.   Ensure that adverbs are used correctly. For example, the use of an adverb inside an infinitive verb is wrong: He tried to quickly broker a deal.)

20.   Avoid the use of archaic words or terms. Some examples of such words are abovementioned, henceforth etc.

21.   Avoid the usage of meaningless transition words.

22.   NEVER use the present continuous tense as the main tense of the paper (is writing, are thinking). Use the present: writes, think.

23.   Keep your sentences short. As a precaution, you should only utilize one sentence per concept. Also, ensure each sentence used is clear and logical.

24.   Avoid beginning a sentence with a conjunction (but, and)

25.   Never overcomplicate concepts.

26.   Use a hyphen when writing compound words. For example, self-actualization.

27.   Avoid repetition of words or syntax in a paragraph through the use of synonyms and pronouns.

28.   Avoid repetition of similar concepts, thoughts, or ideas in different paragraphs.

29.   Avoid usage of gender-specific terms. For example, mankind when talking about humanity.

30.   Avoid usage of Latin abbreviations in professional/academic writing. Instead of writing i.e., write what it means (for example).

31.   When paraphrasing, ensure synonyms have the exact meaning to the word replaced.

32.   Never write „in order to‟ when you mean „to‟.

Never use contractions in professional writing e.g.  It's instead of It is, can't instead of cannot etc.

33.   . Avoid having run-on sentences present in your work.

A run-on sentence is a very long sentence (consider any sentence greater than 3 lines of text). The tutor usually deducts marks for the use of run-on sentences. One should therefore make a habit of fragmenting sentences.

34.   Avoid using the word VERY in your papers.

Ex. Very good, very bad Look at the attached image, for 45 alternatives to using the word “very”. 

a.      Formatting

1)     In-text citations should have the correct form and punctuation depending on the formatting style provided in the instructions.

2)     Ensure there is a thesis in the introductory paragraph.

3)     Include an original title in nine-words or less.

4)     Avoid justification of text and left align only (unless told otherwise in the instructions)

5)     Ensure you format and write the reference list correctly.

6)     Understand the distinction between the first and surname of an author.

7)     For internet documents, always include the date retrieved.

8)   Do not include hyperlinks in your URLs.

9)    Provide adequate support for all facts through the use of in-text citations.

10)   Always ensure you include multiple in-text citations from sources referenced for a stronger research paper.

11)  Avoid the inclusion of an abstract for short essay unless specified in the instructions.

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