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.