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Here are some great proofreading tests that don’t require a red pen, a magnifying glass or a dictionary. In fact, they don’t require you to read anything at all.
Let’s start with a question. Well, not so much a question as a challenge. Have you got what it takes to be a proofreader? Can you spell? Do you have a good vocabulary? Do you have a sound grasp on the fundamentals of grammar? Yes, yes and yes. But do you have what it takes to be a proofreader? Because proofreading is as much about observation as it is about understanding the finer points of syntax. The tests below will give you an idea of what I’m talking about. Don’t worry if you fail; it doesn’t mean you can’t be a proofreader, it just means you have to be aware of your blind spots when proofreading. If you passed, then you, my friend, are a born proofreader. Proofreading Test OneWhen you're proofreading, you'll often find yourself enjoying the material you're reading, particularly if you're reading fiction or an entertaining feature article. It is vitally important that you stop enjoying yourself. Immediately! This little test gives you an indication of how difficult it is to 'stick to the facts' when there's so much fun to be had.
Proofreading Test TwoThis proofreading test highlights the way the human brain skips information it perceives as 'filler' (in this case, words that don't have any significant meaning).
Proofreading Test ThreeThis proofreading test highlights how easy it is to miss something glaringly obvious when you're consciously looking for something else. It is this phenomenon that sometimes leads to proofreaders spotting a rogue hyphen but missing a conspicuous spelling error in a large, bold headline.
Proofreading Test ThreeThis proofreading test indicates how you can be steered in a particular direction and focus on a specific detail, whilst any number of factors pass you by entirely.
So, how did you do?Even if you only spotted one thing, you’re doing very well. In most of these tests, well over half of the population miss all the relevant details.
What have we learned? Well, the human brain is formidable but, ultimately, fallible. When proofreading, you should always approach each document ‘without prejudice’. Don’t be persuaded to look for a particular type of error. Plus, it always pays to step back and look for the obvious. By the way, did you spot my deliberate error? Proofreading Test Four was headed 'Proofreading Test Three'. Easy to miss when there are all those shiny YouTube distractions to contend with. The No-Nonsense Proofreading Course contains lots of hints and techniques to help you focus on your proofreading. Take a look at what else is in it here. |
Rave reviews for my proofreading course:
“I thoroughly enjoyed the course and am so glad that I decided to take it... the whole experience was invaluable. My... proofreading service is now well established and your course played no small part in getting it off the ground.” Hache L. Jones, Proofreader. “I'd just like to thank you first of all for writing such a great, straight forward eBook, and then going above and beyond what I would even expect as a customer by providing us, completely free of charge, updated versions months later!” Rachel Gee, Trainee Proofreader. “What can I say? Worth every penny and then some! God Bless! This a fabulous course.” Teresa Richardson, Proofreader. “As someone who has effectively been proofreading for thirty years, I found Mike’s No-Nonsense Proofreading Course an invaluable introduction and a very useful practical guide to many aspects of this discipline. I can whole-heartedly recommend it as the ideal starting point, and much more besides.” Jeremy Meehan, Proofreader. “I am one of those many fools who paid a huge amount of money for a useless course. This book... has opened so many doors for me. I now look on Mike as my mentor as I embark on a career. Thank you Mike.” Emma Steel, Proofreader and International Structural Editor. 
The No-Nonsense Proofreading CourseA Fraction of the Cost of Other Proofreading Courses NOTE: Stock is currently limited to 10 per day, so we can continue to deliver exceptional after-sales service, answer queries and provide open-door support.
Credit card and PayPal payments accepted. “As someone who has been proofreading for 30 years, I found Mike’s course an invaluable introduction and a very useful practical guide to many aspects of the discipline. I can wholeheartedly recommend it.” Jeremy Meehan, Proofreader. Still want to find out more? Click here. |
The No-Nonsense Proofreading Course
A Fraction of the Cost of Other Proofreading Courses
NOTE: Stock is currently limited to 10 per day, so we can continue to deliver exceptional after-sales service, answer queries and provide open-door support.
- Learn to proofread like a professional
- 30 years of experience distilled into a single easy-to-follow package
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- Download it now and start learning and earning right away.
- I operate a virtual 'open door' policy after purchase, generally answering any and all email queries and concerns within 48 hours and usually sooner.
Credit card and PayPal payments accepted.
“As someone who has been proofreading for 30 years, I found Mike’s course an invaluable introduction and a very useful practical guide to many aspects of the discipline. I can wholeheartedly recommend it.” Jeremy Meehan, Proofreader.
Still want to find out more? Click here.