blog

Things to Consider for Writing an Impressive Essay

Fri, 27 Jun 2014 08:36:26 +0100

Writing an essay for submission may often become daunting if you are not aware of the tactics, or haven’t written one before. Addressing the topic assigned, organizing it well, and finally concluding it with a summarized concluding paragraph requires a great deal of planning, knowledge and strategic approach to make it work.

Let’s have a look at what the approach should be, and the do’s and don'ts of essay writing.

Do’s

Do Spare Time: It’s always better to start early, ideally two weeks early, but ten days would also work. Try to start as early as possible to plan your writing phases beforehand, rather than writing and concluding the essay in a hurry.

Do Be Illustrative: Try to be more comprehensive and descriptive. This can be done by using active verbs and dynamic nouns. “The red car halted directly in front of me,” is nothing in comparison with, “The car squealed to a halt inches from my face”.

Do Take Breaks: Writing happens in fits and starts. If you think you are comfortable writing continuously, better you continue. If you’re held up with a nasty case of writer’s block, the best remedy is a brief break, nap, some exercise, your favourite movie, or anything else that unwinds you for a while.

Do Let Someone Review your Piece: Get someone i.e., a close friend, teacher, counselor, or professional, to go through your essay. This will give you valuable insight, as you may overlook problem areas that may require a new perspective to detect.

Don’ts

Don’t Exceed the Word Limit: Consider this as one of the standing rules. No reason can ever bypass the set rules of essay submission, and doing so will be reflected in poor scores.

Don’t Overuse Idioms: Too much use of clichés or idioms can spoil the very tempo and essence of the essay by halting the flow of piece. Keep it simple, easy flowing and easily understandable, without any need to constantly refer to a dictionary.

Don’t Blindly Rely on Spell Check: Automatic and inbuilt tools in programs like Microsoft Word are helpful, but they cannot be infallible. Better you proof it yourself in addition to running it through spell check. Double checking is always suggested for the finest product!

Don’t Completely Stress Out: Yes, this is vital. It takes a lot of work, but the world doesn’t end with your writing. You quite likely have many reasons to rejoice and be happy! Find the time to wind down and enjoy the things that are important in your life. This will also be reflected in your write ups.

Crafting a unique and commendable essay is not as difficult as it appears to be, but there are a few do’s and don’ts that need to be considered to make it impressive and informative. Proofreading is an imperative part of any written work and essay writing is no exception. Don’t forget to get it proofread professionally once you’re through!

Proofreading Vs Editing Services - De Facto Difference

Thu, 26 Jun 2014 11:10:46 +0100

Often confused with editing, proofreading is altogether a different task that is done at a different time during the publication procedure. Although editing can be done at any stage of writing i.e. overall writing or submission activity, proofreading is always performed in the final stage of writing, immediately prior to publishing the piece to detect all of the errors and mistakes in any written literature, before it is finally submitted for printing.

Proofreading vs. Editing

Proofreading is mostly concerned with detecting and correcting errors, particularly those that can immensely impact the meaning or value of a final printed product. Keeping this in mind, it should be done last in the phases of tasks associated with publishing, in order to ensure that all last minute errors are removed and not overlooked. The most primary difference between proofreading and editing is that editing is mostly related to contextual and factual changes, whereas proofreading is mainly limited to grammar, style, spelling, and punctuation. A proofreader may send back a document to the editor with queries about the content, but the proofreader does not make any change without the confirmation from the editor.

Proofreading Services

While most word processing software adds elementary grammar and spell check tools, these are not replacements for a professional proofreading service. Spell check tools are often seen to create many false positives, making writers confused or annoyed. In addition, in advanced spell check or grammar tools, there are only minor differences between proofreading vs. editing, resulting in wasting time for the author in deciding which suggestions are accurate and which are just the outcome of misapplied rules within the software’s paradigms. The program may often overlook misused words; for instance, the use of the word “affect” instead of “effect” may go unnoticed and find place in the final published piece. Such errors are only identified by professional proofreaders, quickly and much more accurately than any software programs currently available.

Editing Services

Editing services can provide useful fact-check and style improvement suggestions, both during and after the initial draft is over, which can improve the quality and flow of the end result. Although few editing services also offer proofreading, they do not consider this step in the initial phases, since it is quite possible that additional errors will crop up at a later stage. It is more professional and easier to simply edit the work for publication prior to the proofreading process, rather than doing it throughout all stages of writing and editing. The major task of editors includes offering guidance on stylistic approaches, and factual items that can specifically affect the credibility and authenticity of the work.

The Value of Proofreading vs. Editing

Ultimately, both proofreading and editing are necessary steps in the writing and publishing process and both are imperative to generate a fine and coherent final piece of written work for print.

Professional proofreading and editing services can offer publishers the best of both worlds by gaining access to the services they need for ideal literature pieces, whilst ensuring the quality of the finished product for end users. Make it a point that you use professional proofreading services, if you plan to write essays or dissertations, this way you can have an error-free and quality end product, for sure!

Top Tips to Polish Your Writing Skills

Wed, 18 Jun 2014 08:23:21 +0100

Powerful and impeccable writing skills are necessary for professionals across all industries to convey their messages to their audiences/customers. Even the most established writers constantly fine-tune and brush-up their writing skills to ensure that they communicate effectively. Whether you are writer, a lawyer, or an entrepreneur, some great tips will surely help you to produce high-end quality documents:

Practice is the Key to Perfection
If you are not sure how to bush-up your writing skills, know that practice is the most important component to master this art. You will find significant improvement just by keeping some time aside for writing regularly and sticking to this schedule.

Mix it up
The use of repetitive words and phrases can cause your readers to lose interest in your written document. Variety attracts interest; using a wide span of descriptive words and incorporating a number of various sentence structures can keep your reader focused and can produce a more interesting and persuasive final piece.

Less is More
Avoid unnecessary terms or vague verbiage. When a simple word can serve the purpose, do not make it complicated by using long words or phrases. Readers are more interested in getting to the point and do not want to waste their time on understanding unclear metaphors. This simple step can create a significant difference in your finished product.

Avoid Grammatical Errors
It is advisable to comply with the accepted rules of grammar in your piece of work. Grammatical rules are meant to enhance the clarity of your writing; avoiding these rules may create a negative impression of your language competence on your readers.

Consult the Experts
Even the most accomplished writers often need professional Proofreading advice on their work. It is advisable to consult an editor, or you can also attend a class in writing, to improve your writing skills.

Read More
Reading other materials occasionally and more often for pleasure can help you write fresh and relevant literature. Take some time out to read a novel, newspaper or magazine. These can provide exposure and can add new ideas and new phrases to your vocabulary that you can incorporate into your writing projects.

Do not be Afraid of Failure
Fear of failure is the biggest obstacle most writers face. Muster the courage to write and submit your finished work to an editor or proofreader. It will help you achieve success in your chosen field.

Be Patient
The best advice to improve your writing skills is to simply write more often. Most accomplished authors set aside a few hours from their schedule each day to practice their expertise. If you can inculcate this level of commitment in yourself, no doubt, you can improve your writing skills over time.

Proofread Many Times
Even the veteran writers can sometimes miss subtle grammatical errors. Academic Proofreading is the only way out to identify and rectify these errors. Do it as many times as you can to create a perfect piece, free from any grammar or spelling mistakes.

Well-read people are mostly great writers too, but the art of writing can also be mastered by following the above-mentioned tips. Doing so is a must for anyone who really wants to improve their writing skills.

Pointers on Writing an Application for Research Funding

Thu, 15 May 2014 06:14:08 +0100

Writing a grant proposal to apply for research funding can be a challenge; the chances of securing financial backing are often slim and the process itself can be long. Here are a few top pointers on writing an application for research funding:

Before you do anything, familiarise yourself with the rules and specifications of the various funding bodies available. Read all the literature until you can establish which is the most suitable for you. This way, if your first application is rejected, you have a good idea of where you can turn to next.
Take the time to network with those involved with your subject area at university. This can sometimes provide support when it comes to research funding; for example, you may know someone who has had a successful grant proposal, whose advice would be invaluable to you.
Plan ahead and make sure you have enough time to complete the application to a high standard, before you submit it. Rushing this is likely to result in minimising your chances of success.
Be clear. Your writing should not be convoluted, or overly technical, as your primary objective here is to make your proposal clear to your potential funder. This ensures that people know exactly what it is you are proposing, and what the funding will be used for. Communication is key. If you are unsure how well you articulate yourself in writing, it is good advice to seek help from someone else; such as a colleague, or a professional proofreader.
Explain why your research is significant, and how it fills a gap in the existing research. It is also good to give reasons for why this current time is a good time for the research to be conducted. Make sure each reason is clear, and each paragraph has the main point as the first sentence.
Provide a justification for the time and resources you will need. This includes giving a good estimate of the cost of your project. Be reasonable and ask only for what you need, as this is more likely to appeal to the rationality of the finding body.
Make sure you plan for someone to have a read over your proposal, who is not familiar with the technicalities of your field. Often an outsider can provide useful insights into any areas that are difficult to understand, or are so field-specific that they are alienating to the onlooker. This will highlight any areas that may require your attention, and help you to structure your thoughts.
Pay attention to any feedback you are given. If your application is unsuccessful, ask your funder how far off you were from securing the grant. Leave some time before looking at your application again after your proposal has been rejected, as the disappointment may leave you somewhat dejected. Wait until you are calm and focused, and pay close attention to the feedback you have been given. This will be invaluable information for your next try.
Once you have submitted one application, start preparing another. Here is where your extra reading in the beginning comes in handy. One of the most proactive ways of dealing with one rejection is to have a backup in place. This will keep you motivated, and remind you that there are remaining avenues to go down.

Remember - it is vital that you articulate yourself clearly, using the appropriate language, in the most logical way. Grant proposals must be written to a high standard, in order for the funding body to be able to concentrate on the content of your work, rather than getting lost in poor grammar, and awkward unclear sentences. Getting help from an academic proofreading service is often encouraged, and can make all the difference between a poorly written proposal and a perfect one.

Academic Writing – Do’s and Don’ts

Thu, 15 May 2014 05:14:23 +0100

Learning how to write in an academic way doesn’t have to be difficult; there are a few simple do’s and don’ts.

As an online academic proofreading company, Proofread My Essay has had vast experience helping students to achieve a more appropriate academic tone in their documents. We would like to share the tips we have learned over the years with those struggling to achieve the marks they want, due to the informal tone of their work.

Here is a handy list of do’s and don’ts, with a brief explanation of a few key issues:

Don’ts:

Don’t use contractions
Don’t use colloquialisms
Don’t use personal pronouns
Don’t use hyperbole
Don’t be imprecise
Don’t use vulgarisms
Don’t use combinative verbs

Explanation:

Contractions should never be used in an academic document; the only time they can be used is if a different source is being quoted directly.
Colloquial terms are fine for class discussions; however, they are wholly inappropriate for an academic piece of work. One of the reasons for this is that some people may not be privy to the meaning of any slang you may use.
Using personal pronouns (I, me, mine) can undermine the credibility of your work, as these create a subjective tone. You want your academic writing to sound as objective as possible, as this removes any hints of bias in your writing.

Do’s

Do use advanced vocabulary
Do use subject-specific terminology and language
Always use the correct abbreviations and acronyms
Do ensure that all of your references are accurate
Do employ perfect grammar and punctuation
Do format your document
Do make use of professional proofreading services

Explanations:

Using advanced vocabulary and subject-specific terms demonstrates your breadth of reading and understanding of your specific topic.
To abbreviate correctly, you must first write the term out in full, then include the abbreviation in brackets. After the first full introduction, it is fine to use the abbreviation.
Make sure your document doesn’t contain poor grammar, punctuation errors or spelling mistakes, and is formatted so that it is easy on the eye on looks professional.
If you are unsure about the academic quality of any of your work, contact a student proofreading service.

What Does Proofreading Entail?

Wed, 16 Apr 2014 04:52:26 +0100

Proofreading, quite simply, is the stage of writing where the document is gone through with a fine-tooth comb, in order to check for any remaining errors in the text. This is the final stage, before anything is published to print, or online, or is sent or posted. This is to ensure that the final produce that is going to be read is error-free and as perfect as possible.

A professional proofreader will meticulously check a finished piece of text for a variety of mistakes that may remain. Many online proofreading services will have the experience and expertise to look out for common errors, which include correcting the following:

1.    Typing errors that still make words
These are often missed, as spell check won’t catch them as being incorrect; examples include from/form, it's/its, thing/think.

2.    Typing errors that are not words
These occur frequently when spell-check is not used, resulting in not even the obvious typing errors being picked up by spell-check.

3.    Words that can be easily confused
Even proofreading professionals may get muddled up when it comes to confusing word choices, and may need to double check usage of words such as affect/effect, and lie/lay.

4.    Repeated words
It is easy to overlook ‘and and’ or‘the the’, especially if they are separated by a line break. Though be careful of spell check, as it may flag a repeated word and suggest deleting it, when in fact it is necessary for the sense of the sentence.

5.    Sentence fragments
Verbs not operating as verbs and sentences too short or too long to easily identify their structure are common examples of this.

6.    Incorrect pronoun-antecedent use
It is important for pronouns to correspond with the number, person, and gender to which they refer. This means checking for correct plural and single usage, and gender terms such as he/his/him and she/hers/her.

7.    Punctuation problems
It is understandably common to not notice missing full stops, or misplaced apostrophes, along with incorrect comma usage and missing quotation marks. When a writer is focusing on the content of the text she is writing, these smaller details can be easily lost.

8.    Consistency
One of the most important things to check for is the consistency of the text. In particular, this refers to spellings, it is not uncommon for a word or name to have several spellings depending upon the writer’s preference, whereas it is true that these multiple versions are correct, it is important to pick one spelling and stick with it throughout the document.

9.    Formatting
Checking to make sure that all the paragraphs are indented accordingly and equally, that all font sizes and styles correspond consistently, and that any pictures are positioned correctly with the correct captions can make a huge difference to the readability and look of a document.

On the surface, proofreading may sound fairly simply: checking for errors in a document. However, as this list demonstrates there is a little more to it than that and requires a great deal of focus, attention, and linguistic knowledge. Yet, this extra effort is well worth the time, as good writing speaks volumes. When a reader is getting distracted by errors in a document, they may struggle to fully grasp the message within the actual content. Furthermore, they may feel that the mistakes represent the author’s attitude towards the work, thus undermining the author’s credibility.

What a Proofreader can do for you?

Mon, 31 Mar 2014 05:13:32 +0100

If you need to improve, or perfect your writing, you may need a proofreader to help you along the way.

A proofreader will check many things, including noticing errors with spelling, typing, punctuation, grammar, missing words, repeated words, missing or repeated letters, and incorrect tenses. Aside from these issues, many proofreading services also check the document to ensure that the font is all correct, along with margins, headings, page numbers and other formatting elements.

Whereas an editor might make quite dramatic changes to a piece of writing, such as cutting out large parts, or moving things around, a proofreader will only correct what is there, not alter the existing content in any way which impacts on the meaning.

Proofreading is something that really should be done to a final draft, before a piece of work is ready for assessment or publication. Any revisions that need to be done to content need to be done first, by an editor, and then the proofreader double checks everything is at it should be aesthetically and linguistically.

Even well accomplished writers need their work proofreading. It is never a good idea to try to proofread your own work, as you are often too attached to it and may miss the mistakes that a professional proofreader will spot instantly. It is always better to get a professional proofreader to proofread your work, rather than a friend, as the proofreader does not know who you are, they are more likely to be able to read the work without bias.

Some people think the value is in the writing itself, and does not need to be proofread. Whereas the content itself is of course the most important thing, this does not negate the importance of good proofreading. Some people do not mind typos, spelling mistakes, and incorrect grammar, but there are countless that do. The last thing any writer wants is for her readers to be distracted from the fundamental message of a piece of writing, because of bad spelling and grammar. Many people find errors in the text annoying, and feel that theyhave a negative effect on the reading experience. A proofreader will ensure that these distracting elements are removed, thereby increasing the chances that your reader will be able to be fully immersed in your writing.

Many online proofreading services now simply make corrections using the Track Changes function in Microsoft Word. The customer can then choose to accept or reject the changes, depending on their personal preferences. Being able to see the changes that have been suggested can be a great interactive learning tool, so in this way proofreaders also provide guidance in producing good writing. This is the method adopted by many academic proofreading services, as the student is clearly able to see the changes made and decide if they want to keep them or not. Having this level of transparency can be especially helpful to international students, who may still struggle with their written English.

Allude or Elude

Thu, 16 May 2013 04:54:11 +0100

It can be easy to mix up allude and elude when writing. They sound quite similar when spoken, and they are not incredibly common words. Still, these two words express completely different things, and should be used appropriately. Word choice may not seem like an important matter, but it can play a significant role in helping your reader grasping what you are trying to say. It is worthwhile to make sure you are using the 'right' words in your writing. The 'right' words are those that are appropriate for what you are trying to express to your reader. In what follows, I will provide a simple breakdown of when allude and elude should be used.

To allude means to make an indirect reference to something. This is in contrast to making a direct, or explicit, reference to something. A direct reference involves specifically stating the thing which you are referring to. An indirect reference involves identifying something that is associated with that which you are referring to. For example, if I am writing a romance novel I might directly express that two of my characters make love. However, I might simply allude to their making love by telling the reader that the characters followed each other into a bedroom and turned off the lights.

To elude means to evade or escape understanding. Put another way: something eludes us if it is difficult for us to understand. For example, one might write that the causes of love elude our comprehension. Or as another example, I might say that the meaning of a poem eludes me.

It is important to use allude and elude correctly. Otherwise, the meaning in your writing may be missed by your readers. And you don't want your allusions to elude your reader's understanding!

While it can be overwhelming to make sure every word in your writing is well chosen, learning to use words appropriately can be very rewarding. However, if you are still not sure if you have chosen the right words in your essay, then why not submit your work to proofreading services. Reviewing a proofreader's corrections can be an excellent way to grow as a writer. The team at ProofreadMyEssay can help you with word choice, grammar, spelling, referencing and even formatting. In addition to making sure that your assignment is written correctly, using Online Proofreading Services can be a great way to become a better writer. Paying careful attention to the changes that Proofreading experts make can help you develop your own writing skills. So submit your work to ProofreadMyEssay today!

ProofreadMyEssay has been an online proofreading and editing service for several years. It has a team of experienced proofreaders and editors, who helps polish and refine academic documents in very quickly indeed. The Company offers professional Online Editing Servicesincluding proofreading for both American and British English.

How to Reference Edited Books

Mon, 13 May 2013 08:17:15 +0100

An edited book is a collection of articles or chapters- written by different authors- on the same theme, which have been collected together by one or more persons called “editors”.

At first sight, the role of an editor seems straightforward: take the material written by the authors and put them together in a book. Although the book is the outcome of the editor, the editing tasks are more complex that people, who are not related to the publishing world, may think. In fact, the number and nature of those tasks usually require more than one person to do the editing job. You can go for professional Book Editing services from an expert, to refine & polish your work!

In that sense, there are different taxonomies, which differ in the number and names of the types of editors needed to publish a book. Generally speaking, they are: acquisitions editor, project editor, developmental editor, copyeditor, proofreader, and production editor.

When we cite the names of the editor of a book, we refer to the project editor who is in charge of the whole editorial process –including keeping the standards of the publishing company and the communication between the members of the publishing team.

Now let us have a look at how an edited book should be cited according to different referencing styles.

Harvard style:
Editor’s Surname, INITIALS. (ed.)Year of publication.Title of book.Place of publication: Publisher

APA style:
Editor’s Surname, INITIALS. (Ed.). (Year). Title of book. City, State abbreviation or country if relevant: Publisher

MLA style:
Editor’s Surname, First name, ed. Title of Book. Location: Publisher, year. Print.

Chicago style:
Surname, First name, ed., Title of Book. Location: Publisher, year.

Oxford style:
SURNAME, FIRST NAME (ed.), Title of Book (edn., Location: Publisher, year).

Vancouver style:
Surname, INITIALS (ed.) Title of Book. Location: Publisher; year

MHRA style:
Title of Book, ed. by INITIALS Surname (Location: Publisher, year).

OSCOLA style:
First name Surname (ed.), Title of Book (Publisher year)

As part of our professional proofreading and editing, we at Proofread My Essay correct your references. Submit your work for Online Dissertation Proofreading and be sure of citing sources correctly.

ProofreadMyEssay is a recognized name among thesis proofreading services providers in United Kingdom. We have amazing experience in student proofreading service. Our services are best in quality & pricing!

Criteria or Criterion?

Mon, 06 May 2013 11:17:31 +0100

It can be easy to use the wrong words when writing academic documents. Often spoken English is, in a sense, more relaxed than written, academic English. We can get away with things when we speak that we cannot get away with when we write. One area where people tend to make mistakes is in their use of singular and plural forms of words. When we speak we might get away with misusing the singular or plural form of a word, but this will not work when we are writing. Too much hangs on the words we choose. If the wrong words are used, our audience may miss our written message completely. And so it is important that we use the correct words when writing.

Because we do not always use singular and plural terms correctly when speaking it can be hard to know whether we are using the correct terms in our writing. We are so used to using language incorrectly; it can be hard to know whether the words we have chosen for our writing are appropriate. One instance of this is the difference between Criteria and Criterion.

Criterion identifies a single standard on which a judgement or decision is made. For example, “the ability to sing in tune is the number-one criterion for winning the singing competition”. Criteria are the plural form of criterion. For example, “The criteria for winning the singing competition include: being able to sing in tune; having good stage-presence; and having a general ability to entertain an audience”.

For most of us, when we are speaking we probably use the term criteria more often than we use criterion. As a result, we may use criteria in our writing when we should have used criterion. Without thinking about it we might write “the ability to sing in tune is the number-one criteria for winning the singing competition”. But that is an incorrect use of criteria. While your reader might understand what you meant to communicate, it is always best to use language correctly when writing. Choosing appropriate words can make all the difference between your reader understanding what you are trying to say, and them missing your point completely!

If you are still not sure whether you have chosen the right words in your writing, the team at proofreadmyessay can help. Even if you think you have chosen the right words, it is always a good idea to have a second set of eyes look at your work. With their fresh perspective, the professionals at proofreadmyessay will be able to identify mistakes you might have missed. In addition to word choice, they can help you with grammar, spelling, referencing and formatting. The best part about their service is that it is inexpensive. You can check out their prices here, and even get a free sample here! So why not submit your document to proofreadmyessay today?

ProofreadMyEssay is the principle professional proofreading and editing Service provider in the United Kingdom. Their team of experienced English Proofreaders help polish the language used in academic documents such as research papers, theses, dissertations, essays, and much more. What’s more, the company also provides phd proofreading Services at very competitive prices.