Revising, editing and proofreading

There are three stages to improving your academic work. Each stage has a different focus and the order matters.

Leaving at least 24 hours between stages can make it easier to notice problems.

Revising (check ideas, argument, and structure)

When revising your work, you are checking that it meets the assignment requirements and that your ideas are clearly organised.

At this stage, check:

• you have answered all parts of the task or question
• you have built a main argument that is clearly stated and remains consistent
• the introduction explains what the assignment is about and what it will cover
• the conclusion restates the main argument and summarises the key points
• paragraphs follow a logical order
• each paragraph contributes directly to answering the task

Useful techniques include:

• checking your draft against the assignment brief and marking criteria
• writing a one-sentence summary of each paragraph to check relevance and order
• reviewing feedback from previous assignments to identify and address recurring issues
• listing specific actions to respond to feedback from previous assignments

Revising often requires reordering paragraphs, removing sections, or adding new material. This is a normal part of academic writing.

Editing (improve clarity, tone, and sentence quality)

Editing focuses on how clearly you write your ideas.

At this stage, check:

• sentences are complete and make sense
• you have explained any technical terms or subject-specific language
• each paragraph stays focused on a single main point
• the tone is formal but not overly complex
• no unnecessary repetition or overly complex wording

Useful techniques include:

• working in short sessions rather than editing everything at once
• reading your work aloud or using a read-aloud tool to identify unclear phrasing
• changing the appearance of the text (font, size, or background colour) – seeing it differently helps you spot problems
• using a checklist so you apply the same checks to each assignment

Editing may involve rewriting sentences, but it shouldn’t involve changing your argument.

Proofreading (correct errors and check presentation)

Proofreading is the final stage. You do this after you’ve finished revising and editing.

At this stage, check for:

• spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors
• consistent tense and use of chosen terminology
• clear use of pronouns – is it clear what words such as ‘this’, ‘it’, or ‘they’ refer to?
• consistent formatting, spacing, headings, and layout

Useful techniques include:

• working slowly and checking only a small section at a time
• reading your work from the last sentence to the first, to avoid reading what you expect to see
• checking carefully for errors you know you often make
• using spellcheck tools carefully – don’t accept every suggestion without checking
• asking another person, ideally someone not doing the same module, to read your work – tell them specifically what to look for

Remember, you are proofreading to correct errors and inconsistencies, not rewrite ideas.

Use this checklist once your draft is complete. It's designed primarily for written assignments. If your submission is a different format, some points may not apply.

Revising

• I have checked the requirements from the assignment brief and grading criteria.
• I have answered all parts of the task.
• My main argument or position is clear and consistent throughout.
• The introduction explains the topic and purpose of the assignment.
• The conclusion restates the main argument and summarises the key points.
• Paragraphs are in a logical order.
• Each paragraph contributes directly to answering the task.
• I have reviewed any feedback on previous assignments and checked for the same issues here.
• I have written a one-sentence summary of each paragraph to check its relevance and order. (Optional)

Editing

• Sentences are complete and easy to understand.
• Key terms are explained where needed.
• Each paragraph focuses on one main point.
• The tone is formal but not overly complex.
• I have removed unnecessary repetition or overly complex wording.

Proofreading

• Spelling, punctuation, and grammar have been checked carefully.
• Tense and terminology are consistent.
• Pronouns are used clearly — it's obvious what words such as 'this', 'it', or 'they' refer to.
• Formatting, headings, spacing, and layout are consistent.
• Tables, figures, and captions are correctly placed and labelled.
• I have used spellcheck carefully and checked each suggestion before accepting it.
• I have asked someone not doing the same assignment to read my work and told them what to look for. (Optional)

Final checks

• I stayed within the required word count.
• Referencing and formatting follow the assignment guidance.
• Citations have been added where required.
• The file name and file type meet submission requirements.
• I allowed time between drafting and proofreading.
• I have completed the AI acknowledgement form accurately, including any use of AI for proofreading or grammar checking.

Page last edited: 26 August 2026
Next review due: 11 August 2029