English Course: Proofreading & Editing

What you'll learn

Master the art of proofreading and editing English text through our impactful English language short courses online!

This English course is here to help you get better at finding mistakes and making writing sound great.

Starting with the basics of proofreading and editing, we'll cover the differences between proofreading and editing and where they're used. You'll understand the tools used for online proofreading, learn about common mistakes in writing, and how to fix them.

Then, through a series of interactive sessions, you will delve into the intricacies of grammar, punctuation, style, and language clarity.  You'll learn how to format different types of documents, including business emails and reports, and how to edit academic papers, essays, and online content to make them clear and easy to read.

Whether you want to be an editor, writer, or just improve your language skills, this course will equip you with the essential tools to excel in the world of proofreading and editing.

Course Highlights

• Learn how to use grammar and punctuation correctly for clear writing
• Discover methods to make your writing easy to understand and interesting for readers
• Understand differing editing styles and techniques, adapting your approach to various types of written materials 
• Practice editing across genres, from business documents and academic papers to creative writing and online content, gaining a versatile skill set
• Feel more sure about your editing skills by doing practical exercises

Learning outcomes

By the end of this English Proofreading and Editing course, you should have:

• acquainted yourself with the tools for editing copy
• a refreshing look at grammar
• an introduction to style assessment
• learnt effective and clear writing skills
• found the elements of styles that you as the writer
• enhanced your career prospects
• received personalised feedback and tips for improvement

Course content

This course includes

Introduction to Proofreading and Editing

• Overview of proofreading vs. editing: key differences and similarities
• Understanding the role of a proofreader/editor in different contexts
• Essential tools and resources for online proofreading and editing
• Introduction to common errors and challenges in written content

Grammar Essentials for Editors

• Grammar rules and exceptions
• Common grammatical errors and how to fix them
• Punctuation mastery: commas, semicolons, colons, and more

Style Guides, Formatting and Editing Business Documents

• Understanding formatting requirements for different types of documents
• Consistency in style: numbers, dates, abbreviations, and capitalisation
• Polishing business emails, reports, and proposals
• Ensuring clarity and professionalism in business communication
• Editing for conciseness and precision in business documents
• Addressing common mistakes in business writing

Editing Techniques for Various Text Types

• Understanding how to edit academic papers, essays, and creative stories to make them clear and easy to understand
• Fixing mistakes in citations, references, and other academic writing issues
• Making online content easy to read and find on the internet
• Editing blog posts, articles, social media posts, and poems for online readers
• Making sure the writing is suitable for different online audiences and looks the same across different digital platforms

Proofreading and Editing Challenges

• Addressing specific challenges faced by participants
• Reviewing complex sentence structures and nuanced language use
• Feedback and guidance from the instructor
• Q&A session to clarify doubts and concerns

Intended audience

This course is ideal for anyone who

• aims to enhance their writing skills
• is seeking improvement for personal, academic, and professional writing tasks
• is aspiring to pursue a career in proofreading and editing

Pre-requisites

• Proficient English language skills
• Anyone who has attended our English Course: Advanced Language Foundations 
• has approximately 80 hours or more of English learning experience

Course venue

Online via Zoom

• Zoom details will be emailed to you with your enrolment confirmation.
• Requirement: A device and stable internet connection.

Textbook & Resources

Please purchase the textbooks below for your class:

“The Grammar Handbook” by Gordon Winch | ISBN: 9780195529098

“Dreyer’s English” by Benjamin Dreyer | ISBN: 9780812995701

“The Australian Editing Handbook” by Elizabeth Flann, Beryl Hill, Lan Wang | ISBN: 9781118635957

Certificate of completion

Achievement Recognition

Upon successfully completing the course with at least 80% attendance, you will receive a Certificate of Attendance. This certificate serves as a testament to your commitment and effort in mastering the English language. It can be a valuable addition to your resume, showcasing your dedication to personal and professional growth.

Additional information

• Class size: Maximum 10 students to ensure personalised attention.
• Course delivery: Fully online through interactive virtual classrooms.
• Certificate: A certificate of completion will be provided to students who successfully finish the course.

This is just the start of learning a wonderful language. Keep practicing and building on your language skills with our follow-on language courses or weekend workshops.

An overview of our English Language program:

If you're uncertain about meeting the requirements or if this course matches your language proficiency, reach out to the College via phone or email. Our team can help you find the right course level for your skills.