• Proofreading Checklist:
    • Have you spelled all words correctly? Use the following tips:
      • Use spell check
      • Circle words that might be wrong and look them up
      • Consult the commonly mixed pairs list
    • Does each sentence end with the correct punctuation mark?
    • Have you begun all sentences with a capital letter?
    • Check comma usage:
      • Commas separate items in a series
      • Commas precede coordinating conjunctions (and, but, so, for or, nor, yet) in compound sentences
      • Commas do not separate two complete sentences (this is called a comma splice)
    • Have you used apostrophes to show possession or to mark contractions or to show missing numbers (as in ‘99)?
    • Is all dialogue or written conversation properly punctuated?
    • All proper names of people, places, and things are capitalized
    • Check subjects and verbs to see that they agree in tense and in number
    • Do pronouns and antecedents agree?
    • Check for run-ons, comma splices and sentence fragments
    • Have you written an appropriate title that reflects the main topic of your essay or paragraph?
    • Do all your paragraphs:
      • support the main thesis?
      • contain a topic sentence?
      • contain only sentences (3-5) that support the topic sentence?
      • use effective transitions between ideas?
    • Have you read your paper out loud (or had it read to you) to listen for confusing wording or missing ideas?
    • Does your essay/paragraph meet the assignment requirements?
    • Does your assignment meet the format requirements set by your teacher or found in this style book?