Proof Reading

Accurately proofread his/her own writing for spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammatical correctness.  

Proofreading, in my opinion, is the most neglected component of the writing process and the one that needs a student's greatest attention. I am annually shocked by how many of my students turn in writing assignments that have not been proofread. When I question my students regarding their negligence concerning this important aspect of the writing process, the universal answer always seems to be "I was too busy." Please, take the time to proofread anything you write during the HSGQE and, if I may beg of you, make the necessary corrections that will make your paper better reflect your writing skills. 

If you turn in a writing assignment without first proofreading it, the errors you failed to catch will leave the grader no choice but to come to the conclusion that you don't have the writing skills necessary to pass the HSGQE. I have had some of my former students forget to end a sentence with a terminal mark (eghads!) or forget to capitalize the first letter of a sentence ( goodness!) but I knew it was simply carelessness on their part and not a reflection on their knowledge base. My point is, the people who grade the writing section of the HSGQE will not know you and will deduct points from your test if you fail to strictly adhere to the rules of Standard English. One mistake could make the difference between a proficient (passing) score (which means you are all done with that test), and not proficient (failing) score (which means you have to take it all over again).

Below are 4 proofreading questions taken directly from the HSGQE practice writing examination. Rear each one of errors and follow the directions.

1. Directions: There are three mistakes in this paragraph. Draw a line through each mistake and write the correction above it.

The answers can be found by clicking here.

2. In the paragraph below, there are five mistakes in capitalization, punctuation, and spelling. List each mistake and its correction on a separate piece of paper.

Click here for answer.

3. There are four mistakes in this paragraph. Draw a line through each mistake and write the correction above it.

In the summer, the days are more longer, so there is time to do things I enjoy. I can ride my bike. And go swimming. I can also plays in the park with my friends.

Answers can be found here.

4. In the paragraph below, there are six mistakes in grammar, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling. Draw a line through each mistake and write the correction above it.

A Person’s heart is about the size of his or her fist. It is made up mostly of mussel. The septum, or separating wall, divides the heart in too. The left side, witch delivers blood throughout the body, is larger and strong than the right side. Veins carries blood throughout the body to the right side. The heart contracts automatically about once every second.

Answers here:

Answers for # 1. The passage should read as follows: 

Summers in Alaska are warm and beautiful, and there are many things to do outside. I can fish with my friends and go hiking. Most people enjoy the five months with no snow.   Back to 1.

Answers for #2: The paragraph should read as follows:

The film, Star Wars, is a creation by George Lucas about a young man, Luke Skywalker, who discovers his true strength of character through adversity. Driven to join the rebellion against the Empire after the deaths of his aunt and uncle, Luke befriends Han Solo, a smuggler with troubles of his own. Together they rescue Princess Leia and destroy the Empire's Death Star.   Back to # 2

Answers for # 3: longer, bike and, play. Back to #3

Answers for #4:  person's, muscle, two, which, stronger, carry   Back to #4

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