• What is ESL proofreading?

Phrases, sentences, and even words themselves do not tend to translate easily between languages. Because of this, many ESL students find it difficult to express themselves coherently through writing; they often write sentences with English words and the syntax or sentence structure of their native language. Therefore, ESL proofreading involves taking the concept behind a sentence and transforming it into perfect English. That way, not only do your words read as more intelligent, but your ideas are free to flow, no longer restricted by distracting mistakes.

• Why shouldn’t I just use a free proofreading site?

The problem with free proofreading sites is that a computer is doing all the work. When’s the last time the auto correct in your smartphone got the wrong idea? It’s the same concept. These sites do not understand the ideas in your writing, and thus cannot proofread accurately.
What’s more, proofreading sites tend to focus on individual words as opposed to sentence structure and syntax. Most ESL students struggle with forming sentences properly, not spelling. Thus, while free proofreading sites fail to provide quality services for native English speakers, ESL students are left at even more of a loss.

• What file format should my essay be in?

Due to the use of track changes (explained more extensively below), Crashed Culture works through Microsoft Word. You needn’t worry about the version – any will do, as long as it’s Microsoft Word.

• What are track changes?

Crashed Culture uses track changes in all documents. Instead of simply going through your essay and changing things around as deemed necessary, proofreading through track changes allows me to make careful notes of all suggested edits, crossing out words instead of deleting them and highlighting sections to allow for comments from me to you.

When your essay is returned to your inbox, you will receive two copies. One copy will have all track changes intact so you can both learn from your mistakes and pick and choose proofreading changes as you please. The other copy is your essay with all track changes accepted, both for your reading convenience and so it’s ready to print out and be submitted!

• How accurate are your services?

I proofread each document at least twice: an initial run through, correcting errors as I proofread, and another with all track changes accepted. If I come across errors I missed, I proofread the document a third time.

• I need an ESL proofreader, but not for an essay. Will you accept other documents?

Yes! I am happy to proofread anything you have to throw at me. While Crashed Culture does focus primarily on essays, I don’t discriminate!