Module 9: Academic Proofreading

Name: Module 9: Academic Proofreading
Availability: InStock

With undergraduate essays, journal articles, PhD theses, reference books and more, academic proofreading is a great source of work for many freelancers. If you want to tap into this niche, though, there are some specific rules for proofreading academic documents that you need to be aware of. So, let’s go back to school!

7 Engaging Lessons

5 Interactive Quizzes

3 Proofreading Exercises

How This Module Works

Academic proofreading is about helping the writer set out their arguments clearly and concisely so readers can absorb the meaning. The specifics vary depending on the document, but common tasks include reviewing the use of tenses, informal language, and quotes – all without straying into academic plagiarism! In this module, we explore what you need to know to get started (with downloadable examples and practice exercises along the way).

Lesson 9.1: An Introduction To Academic Proofreading

Review what academic writing involves and begin to understand the role of the proofreader in working with it.

Lesson 9.2: Academic Language

Discover the difference between academic and nonacademic language, and learn when it’s appropriate to suggest alternative wording.

Lesson 9.3: Proofreading Quotations

Get to grips with the rules for proofreading quotations: how to introduce them and when to use sic, square brackets, and ellipses.

Lesson 9.4: Writing Style

Take a deep dive into academic writing style! Read up on grammatical tenses,
find out why third-person point of view is favoured, and learn when to use active and passive voice. Plus, download our example academic style sheet!

Lesson 9.5: Types Of Academic Documents

Explore a variety of scholarly and professional document types and some broad stylistic guidelines to keep in mind when proofreading them.

Lesson 9.6: Proofreading In LaTeX And Common Questions

Find out what LaTeX files are and how to work with this technical document type. Then, explore the answers to some frequently asked questions about academic proofreading.

Lesson 9.7: Module Quiz

Check what you’ve learned in this module, and make a list of anything you’d like to recap.

Learn About The Full Course

Learn More

Is Proofreading Important in Academic Writing?

Absolutely! Every detail counts in academic writing, no matter how small. An academic text that is full of errors and inconsistencies is likely to leave a bad impression on the reader. This could lead to deducted marks, missed publishing opportunities, or even a damaged reputation. By contrast, a clear, cohesive, and error-free piece of writing has the power to engage and persuade the reader – effectively conveying the writer’s message and boosting their credibility.

Learn How to Proofread Academic Writing

Interested in proofreading academic documents? Our blog has you covered! We’ve got expert tips on dealing with common issues, beginner-friendly how-to guides, and in-depth explorations of a wide variety of referencing and citation styles.