Correction Symbols

List of Correction Symbols

(to help you decipher those mysterious signs on your papers)

n.i. = new idea; this idea needs to be in a separate paragraph

t.s. = topic sentence

gr = problem with the grammar

a check mark= good idea; works well to support your argument

r-o = run-on sentence

awk = awkward

av. p.= avoid this phrase

p.s.= plot summary. Never summarize or re-tell a text; analyze it.

tense = you've used the wrong tense of a verb; usually means you should use the present tense, not the past tense

trans = problem with the transition from one sentence to another or one paragraph to another

sp = spelling error

dict = diction/word choice is incorrect; something not-quite-right choice of word; improper usage of word/diction

w.c.= same as "dict"

t.e. = textual support/evidence needed to back up, illustrate, and/or develop your point

q = quotation

analy = analyze

analy q.= analyze quotation

analy i.= analyze idea

analy signif= analyze signficance

signif= significance. What is the significance of what you're saying? How does it relate to your larger argument?

relev?= the relevance of this idea or statement to paragraph isn't clear

spec= you're speculating about the text; stick to what's in the text—don't guess. Don't say the character "could have" or "might have" done something.

punct = problem with punctuation

frag = fragment; not a complete sentence

dev = develop this idea or thought more; you need another sentence or two to make your point.

elab = elaborate on idea/flesh the idea out; you need another sentence or two

exp = explain what you mean in greater detail; you're not fleshing our your idea enough

pex= push expression (language not strong or specific enough--keep working at it!)

unpack=idea needs to be "unpacked"--that is, explain what you mean in a few more sentences rather than just the one.

rep=repetitive; you've already referred to this quotation or idea in your paper

b/c = because

w/ = with

bet. = between

pt. = point, e.g. the point you made, the idea you put forth

re. = regarding

paragraph symbol or "para" = paragraph

( ) or "del" = cut

= use miniscule

= use capital letter

*** Remember always to read your papers aloud before handing them in. This is a great way to catch obvious errors in sentence structure and fluidity.