Proof Reading
What does proof reading entail?
The Resource Centre offers a free essay proofreading service,
which aims to correct grammar and to advise on basic structure
only; it will not alter, or offer comment on, the content of
your work.
Can anyone use this service?
The proof-reading service is subject to time constraints
since it relies on the availability of volunteer proof-readers
who give their time free of charge. As a result, it is primarily
offered to overseas students whose first language is not
English. However, if you are a ‘home’ student with concerns
about your grammar and/or structure and wish to have one essay
proof-read as a ‘sample’, please ask. Alternatively, you may
find the Essay Writing Skills workshop useful, or wish to
arrange a one-to-one session if you have specific issues you
want help with.
How do I submit my essay for proof-reading?
Leave your work in The Purple Box (marked as such) in the
Resource Centre, making sure you enter your name and contact
details on the yellow form you’ll find in the box. It is also
helpful if you let Rowena know you’ve done so as the box isn’t
checked for new work every day. We will let you know by email
when your essay is ready for collection.
Before you submit your work, it is very important that
you:
- Proof read your essay yourself. In other words, your
essay should already be as 'error free' as possible. It is NOT
the job of the proof reader to tidy up your spelling and
grammar, due to laziness on your part!
- Make sure your essay uses an established
Referencing/Bibliography scheme and does so consistently.
Check (and download) the departmental guidelines here:
www.essex.ac.uk/sociology/resource_centre/Referencing.aspx
- Check that you have, to the best of your knowledge, used
your own words throughout. If not you may be at risk of
plagiarism which is a serious academic offence. Check (and
download) the departmental guidelines here:
www.essex.ac.uk/sociology/resource_centre/plagiarism.aspx
How long will it take?
This varies according to the availability of volunteers, the
length of your work and the standard of English. As a general
rule, you should try to submit your work for proof-reading at
least one week before the deadline, remembering that you will
also need time to make the suggested corrections to your work.
Acknowledgement: when you hand your essay in (i.e. for
marking), you must attach a form acknowledging that it’s been
proof-read. Your essay should be returned to you (after
proof-reading) with a form attached for you to sign. If not,
copies are kept in The Purple box.
*NB: Unfortunately we are unable to extend this service to
dissertations. However, we may be able to help you find
someone who could do this on a paid basis.
Last modified on 06 November 2008