Trait 6--Mechanics/Conventions

I probably have a ton of spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes in my paper. Help!!!

You are worried about the mechanics or conventions of your writing. Writing that is strong in this area contains very few, if any, errors. This includes correct use of grammar, usage, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling. In addition, the layout of the writing should be easy to follow, meaning it uses a clear font and follows the required format. Any final draft should have gone through numerous revisions and be ready to publish.

How can you be sure that your writing is mechanically sound?

• Proofread and edit! You must do more than spell check a document. Computers do not catch all errors and do not always edit correctly.
• Use a writing manual (such as The Writer's Handbook - Hacker) or another resource for help. There are many web pages available to answer your questions about mechanics. This site's Top 10 Common Writing Mistakes is one place to start! If your paper is due tomorrow, forget about this link. But, if you've got some time, try this site.
• Ask someone to read your writing and help you edit. Often when you spend hours working on a paper you don't recognize your own errors. A fresh perspective will help.

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