[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?