Symbols, margin codes and abbreviations
Peter Taylor
Version 8 (June 1995)

By making comments in this form you, the student, have to identify and solve the problem. This way you will develop the ability to fix problems before your writing reaches the instructor's desk.

[Words in brackets could easily be omited.]

Words underlined with a squiggly line could easily be improved upon.

Points linked by a line = consider them together in any revising you do. If the line has a squiggle in the middle, it indicates that the two points are in tension or apparently contradictory.

^ means something is missing.

X or words circled means this is incorrect

Code & Possible issues to be addressed
Actv
= More active prose is needed. E.g., shorten sentences; passive -> active voice; "It is," too much use of verb to be; verb-preposition composites (e.g., getting up, jump up)
Awk= Smooth out awkward construction of sentence or use of words. Rearrange or rephrase. See also Stream.
Agent= Agents need to be specified. Make clear to whom you are referring. See also Diff.
Cite= Citation is needed or is incomplete.
Connect= Connection or transition (between sentences, paragraphs, sections) needed. See also Logic.
Constr= Construction needs reworking. E.g., rambling or mosaic paragraphs; paragraph subdivision is needed or subdivision should occur in a different place.
Diff= Category needs to be differentiated. Claim is too grand and sweeping. E.g., replace "Man," "we," "society," "the earth" by terms specifying the actual agents or place.
Eg= Examples needed.
Fact= Check that this is factually correct. Provide more evidence. Overstated. Overgeneralized.
Gend= Fix gender problem. Inappropriate or unnecessary use of male pronouns, etc. Often using the plural will eliminate the problem.
Gram= Grammatical problem. E.g., incomplete sentence, dangling participle, lack of verb agreement.
Logic= Work on the logic of development. E.g., there are holes in sequence of ideas and propositions, or something inserted out of place. Connections between points are unclear. See also Connect
Meaning= Make meaning clear; explain. You haven't said what you mean. Cryptic - say more.
Punc= Fix punctuation problem. (Consult handout or Chicago Manual of Style)
Ref= Make referent clear. E.g., when "this" refers to something in the previous paragraph, spell it out.
Specific= Vague wording; loose expression. Make your point more precise, specific, or succint.
Sp= Fix spelling mistake. Look it up yourself &;make a note of it so you don't repeat it.
Stream
= Streamline. Reduce repetition, and redundant or unnecessary material.
Think= More thinking needed on this issue.
Topic= The point here is not clear. Why have you said this here? Is there one topic in this paragraph? Is there a topic sentence? Does this sentence connect with the paragraph's topic? How does this paragraph contribute to the topic of your essay?