Kids Corner: Why you should proof read out loud

Why should you always proofread (check your writing) your work out loud before you give it to your teacher? So it makes sense, and your teacher doesn’t make that face. That is a “whuuuuuh?” face. The “whuuuuuh?” face on your teacher is usually a bad sign.

Let me say this one more time: PROOFREAD YOUR WORK! Many people forget to do that. It’s one of the most important things to do when you write homework / papers / essays. Everyone makes mistakes when they are writing, even professional authors. Everyone proofreads their work, no matter how rich or famous they are. Even Stephen King and J.K. Rowling proofread because the first time they write it, there are words missing and sentences that make no sense at all. Proofread, or my head will pop off.

Why proofread out loud? I recommend this because when I read things in my head, my brain sometimes tricks me that everything is fine. I can do this 6 times and it will still read totally fine. Then if I read it out loud, and I hear my own voice, I realise that some sentences are a mess. I also know where to put the commas and full stops because of when I pause and change tone when I read. You will also see when you repeat a word too many times!

Tip: If you really struggle with where to put commas, it's where you naturally pause for a little break when speaking. Full stops go where there are longer pauses (usually when you start a new idea).

Your English grades could increase just from this one little change. Try it! Don’t make me do the “wuuuuuuh?” face!