Editing for Language Accuracy - Worksheet

After you have finished a piece of writing e.g. an essay, a letter, a report, it is very important to check it to see if:

• its content is complete and relevant
• it is clearly and well organised
• the language it uses is accurate

Accurate use of language in writing refers to making no mistakes in choice or form of grammar, vocabulary, punctuation or spelling.

Look at these extracts from a letter and some discursive writing. Each contains 10 grammatical mistakes. Find and correct each mistake. Can you explain each mistake? Do you make this kind of mistake?

1. Extract from a letter

Dear Sir or Madam
I writing to complain the food in the student canteen. Is very bad and make me sick.
I eat in the canteen every day. The food never change. Every day the menu is same. This is boring but yesterday the food was even more bad. After eat in the canteen I become very sick. Feeling very ill.

2. Extract from discursive writing

There are much reasons why it is a good idea for young people continue their
education by go to college or university. Firstly, education helps them obtaining qualifications which they will allow them to get good jobs. This is good for them and also their country. Both will can make progress. Secondly, if the workforce is good qualified. Many countries will want invest in the country or open branches there. Which brings wealth and opportunities to people in the country.