By Dissertation: A long-form piece of academic work that involves original research conducted by you. This is often the lengthiest piece of content a student writes.
Oh, hi there. Since you are reading this blog, I am assuming that your dissertation task is ahead, or you are on the submission step.
In either of the steps, I want to tell you to stay strong and hold tight because you are so close to achieving your dream degree!
I’ve been in the same place and completely understand WHAT stress a dissertation gives to a student.
Especially when you have just finished writing the content (average of 10,000-50,000 words), but then you realize that now you’ve to proofread this entire thing.
Frustrating, I know.
But this can be a little easier for you if you know the right way to do it. So, come along and find out how to proofread a dissertation like a pro!
Pre-Proofread—Know What to Look For
Just don’t dive straight into proofreading your dissertation; you must know what and how you have to proceed with it.
Sufficient Time to Proofread
If I ask you to proofread a 40,000-word academic task, how much time would you think of to do it? Most probably, at least a week, right?
So, once you finish writing, make sure to allot sufficient time to proofread efficiently. DON’T start a day or two before the submission. Trust me, your grades will be compromised!
Know Your Weak Areas
Everyone has their own weak areas. So, before you start proofreading your dissertation, know those weak areas.
For some, it’s grammar, for others, it can be structuring or formatting. So once you know, focus on them particularly.
Personally, I struggled doing this while proofreading my first-ever dissertation. Like I knew my weak areas and could fix the errors as well. However, I still had doubts about what if I still leave an error unseen? Yes, I couldn’t take any risk, which is why I connected with professional Dissertation Proofreaders. In addition, these experts made sure that there aren’t any errors in my content, and it’s good to be submitted.
Large Issues First
Look for large issues first while proofreading. In addition, it can be incomplete paragraphs, missing evidence, or space left to add infographics.
Tips to Proofread a Dissertation Like an Expert
So, all set to finally begin the proofreading process?
Let’s go!
Look for Typographical Errors
The most common concept of proofreading; identifying typographical errors such as spelling, grammar, punctuation, or typos.
Moreover, these are the errors that devalue your content. And readers don’t enjoy reading content that has silly mistakes, as they take up all the attention.
Check Consistency
Your dissertation must follow the same tone, style, and language throughout. Also, a student writes it in months, so there is a high chance of irregularities. Hence, make sure to look for it and fix it.
Avoid Repetition
The human brain often repeats the same phrases or words while writing. So while you proofread, make sure to look for these repeated words or phrases.
As a result, removing these extra words will make the content more effective and concise.
One Mistake At A Time
I know it sounds almost inhumane to proofread thousands of words. However, it’s important.
Also, it’s suggested to use online tools and software to speed up the proofreading process.
However, don’t completely rely on these tools. Also, make sure to work on one error at a time.
For example, if you are fixing spelling mistakes, then work on it only before heading to the next.
Read Aloud
One of the best and most useful tips to proofread a dissertation is to read aloud. The truth is that there is a chance of missing out on catching mistakes in silent reading.
Therefore, professionals suggest getting a hard copy of the content (if possible) and reading aloud. This is a simple yet affecting way to proofread the content.
Check Graphs or Statistical Figures
A dissertation usually has graphs and statistical figures, especially in the results section. In addition, students often make errors, and trust me on this, a minor misspelled number here can change the entire result of your dissertation.
So, make sure to go through them and look for every small or large error. And ensure to fix them before anything!
Ensure Smooth Transition
One of the most important steps of proofreading is to ensure a smooth transition between sentences or sections.
So, while you are reading your content, make sure to look for logical flow. In addition, check that there isn’t anything extra or unnecessary that sounds off-topic. Or you might have mixed two different points in one, so don’t forget to look for these small errors that can really break your entire content quality.
Take Small Breaks
This goes without saying that proofreading such lengthy documents is not really possible to do in one sitting. Also, you will be tired after proofreading 1-2 sections.
So, there’s no point in forcing yourself to keep going. Instead, take small breaks and give your brain some rest. After that, sit again and continue your work.
Read the Papers Backwards
When I was suggested to proofread my dissertation by reading the document backwards, my honest reaction was: Why would I do it? Isn’t that insane?
But it is not. Instead, it’s really helpful and an effective way to proofread.
When we start writing something, we are on a whole different level of energy and give our best.
However, by the end, the motive changes to just complete it and get away from it ASAP.
Therefore, there is a high chance of making silly mistakes at the end of your dissertation. So, it’s best to read backwards to proofread.
Get Professional Help
I know how it feels to proofread a 50,000-word dissertation and especially when the deadline is approaching.
This is when it’s best to connect with experts and seek their help. In addition, you might have proofread half of your document, but have no energy left for the remaining sections.
So, this is when these professionals can take over and provide you with the best possible assistance.
Final Words
Proofreading a dissertation is absolutely not easy. I’ve been there and completely understand the struggles of a student.
However, the real game-changer is following the right tips. That makes the entire process so much easier and also helps one to stay on track.
So, don’t be stressed and follow this guide to proofread your dissertation. Trust me, you are going to ace it. So stay strong and focused on your goal.
Good luck!