writing correction code symbols

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A Must-have Poster: Writing Correction Code

Language teachers sometimes have the tendency of providing edits when checking students’ pieces of writing. Because students’ mistakes in writing can sometimes be “provoking” in a way, language teachers are tempted to provide corrections instead of eliciting them.  However, by providing edits, teachers can never be certain that students will not make the same mistakes again. It is with hints teachers suggest through writing editing codes that learners can initiate some self-correction, which is one of the key elements in learning writing skills. Moreover, self-correction instils autonomy in students, and, by extension, they will likely make fewer mistakes.

A writing correction/editing code is a set of rules and symbols that instructors can use to assess students’ pieces of writing in order to elicit corrections rather than provide them. Using correction codes is considerably effective in teaching ESL/EFL writing. MacDonald (2020 ) investigated the effectiveness of different writing corrective feedback strategies on L2 writing accuracy and analysed the findings of 14 studies which incorporated correction codes. He suggested that correction codes have a more significant positive impact on long-term writing accuracy compared to direct writing corrective feedback. What is more, writing codes can “promote additional reflection and higher-level thinking for learners.”

Before you start using the writing code symbols for feedback, your students should first be supervised in class so that they fully understand what is expected of them. As such, we suggest that you keep your writing correction code on a poster or print it in a form of handouts for your students. Alternatively, students can copy it somewhere on their notebooks for reference.

It is also recommended that you confine your feedback only to what your students have learned in writing classes. As you advance in the course, you can include more elements until you gradually cover them all.  For instance, at the outset of the course, you can only focus on capitalization, spelling, and some grammatical mistakes. Later on, you can indicate verb-subject-agreement mistakes, etc.

• EFL Collective Writing Correction Code
• British Council Suggested Writing Code

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Comments (4) on “A Must-have Poster: Writing Correction Code”

Very useful and practical. Many thanks Sir. Mourad El Hanafi

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Jazaka Allahu khair. This is very useful.

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The Most Useful 10 Symbols To Use For Correcting Students’ Writing

Correcting errors and giving feedback on writing can be tricky. If you correct everything, there is a danger of covering the work in comments and ‘red ink’. This can be both demotivating and unhelpful because the students either give up or they just write out the piece again with all your corrections inserted. Alternatively, if you decide to focus only on certain errors or give feedback only on certain parts of their work, the students will wonder at a later stage why you didn’t highlight all the mistakes to begin with.

One way to help them is to develop a correction code. This is a series of symbols that you use to indicate errors.

Write the symbol above the error so that the students have to think about what the mistake is rather than simply read your correction of it. So a sentence in an essay might look like this:

C                       WW                                   WO  SP

John was very sensible and didn’t take well critisism.

The symbols above indicate that the sentence needs a capital letter (C), sensible is the wrong word (WW) (having been confused with sensitive), the word order (WO) of well criticism should be criticism well and there’s a spelling mistake (SP) in the final word.

Having to find their own mistakes like this creates a greater challenge for the students.

Note: If you are marking computer-written texts, the same principles apply. However, you can insert your comments using different coloured fonts or use the comments function, which creates small boxes in the margin of the text with a space to give feedback.

Here are the most useful 10 symbols you could put on your students’ writing in order to help them notice their mistakes.

This indicates a spelling mistake in a word.

If students write words in the wrong order, such as an adjective after a noun ( house big instead of big house ), write WO to indicate the problem.

You can write P to let your students know there is a punctuation problem.

When students make a mistake with verb tense, you can write a T above the verb. In the following example, the student has used the present perfect when the tense should be the past simple:

I’ve started work here in 2001.

“Wrong word,” tells the student they need to replace a word because it doesn’t have the right meaning.

This indicates a missing word in the sentence and usually, you put it under the sentence or inserted it between the two words where a word is missing, like this:

I’m interested “ learning more about English.

As well as missing a word, students sometimes add an extra incorrect word. You can use the square bracket symbol around the incorrect word or above it, like this:

All you need is [the] love.

WF stands for an incorrect word form. For example, perhaps a student has written the adjective form instead of an adverb (e.g. I ran quick ) or the verb form instead of a noun (e.g. Let me give you some advise ).

If a student has turned one word into two words, then connect them with this curved line, like this:

‘I can’t see them any~where!’ Gavin said.

Sometimes students will run one sentence into another, so you want to indicate that they should create two separate sentences. Use a backslash symbol, like this:

We walked for over an hour / suddenly there was a loud crashing sound!

In longer pieces of writing, you can also indicate that the essay writer needs to start a new paragraph. Many teachers write double lines (//) at the end of a sentence to show that the next sentence should be the start of the next paragraph.

Most of the previous symbols are fairly standard in English language teaching, though you will come across others. The important thing is that you should be consistent with your symbols when marking your students’ work. It’s a good idea to give them a brief guide to your marking symbols at the beginning of a course so that they are familiar with the symbols you are using.

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Very interesting and very timely during this pandemic era.I would pitch this to my school principal for Learn]ng Action Cell session among lanuage teachers to have a unifor writing assessment tool.

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 Error Correction

This page includes a standard error correction symbol code. Use these symbols to highlight key mistakes in a student’s work.

This is a 3-way system .

  1) Tutor marks the mistakes using the correction code and returns  to the student.

2) Student makes correction in a different colour pen and returns to the tutor.

3) Tutor checks the corrections and returns to the student.

Reason: This way the student learns from their mistakes and takes more responsibility in correcting errors and learning from mistakes.

Error Correction sheet

√ = good point / good idea

√√ = very good point

? = confusing

^ = missing word

Gr = Grammar

A = Article (a, an, the, /)

WW = Wrong Word

WF = Wrong form

Coll = Collocation  

W/O = Word Order

Inf = informal

Prep = Preposition

P = Punctuation

R = repetition

Sp = Spelling

RC = Relative clause (which, that, who etc..)

Ref = in-text reference problem

Cau = caution (too strong – soften with could, may, might, appears, possibly)

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Writing correction code

Use the following symbols to understand the mistakes you have in your writing and to help you correct the mistakes yourself. Sometimes you won’t know the correct form, so ask your teacher if you’re not sure.

SYMBOL – MEANING S – Incorrect spelling WO – Wrong word order T – Wrong tense A – Something doesn’t agree (subject -verb/ article-noun etc.) WF – Wrong form S/P – Singular or plural form wrong ˄ – Something has been left out [ ] – Something is not necessary ?M – Meaning is not clear NA – The usage is not appropriate (too formal / too informal) P – Punctuation wrong G – Grammar WW – Wrong Word

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1.2 GETTING STARTED: Using Correction Codes

1. If you see an correction code with just a question mark (?), what should you do?

• Rewrite the sentence another way.
• Ask the teacher a question.
• Change the sentence into a question.

2. What does the code “ART” mean?

• You have a mistake involving a, an, the or zero article.
• Your writing is too artsy.
• You should refer to the American Rhetoric Text for help.

3. Which sentence is an example of an S-V error?

• The child eat candy every day.
• The dog ran in the park.
• The man works at a bank.

4. What error code might you give the following sentence?  The water flowed quickerly over the river banks and flooded the town.

5. What does the code “SP” mean?

• Be specific.
• Check spelling.
• It’s special.

6. Identify the error in this sentence:    So many students study English classes at Portland Community College are not always easy.

• It is a comma splice. A coordinating conjunction should be added to separate the independent clauses.
• It is a fragment. It is not a complete sentence.
• It is a run-on sentence. Punctuation should be added to separate the independent clauses.
• There is no error in the sentence.

7. What does the code “PRO” mean?

• professional

8.  Which error code would apply to the following sentence: You can do tonight, the homework?

9. What does the code “C/S” mean?

• Good point; the teacher can see what you mean.
• You should add a comma to your sentence.
• Your sentence has a comma splice.

10.  The following sentence has a FRAG error: Many students happy about spring in Portland.   What does FRAG mean?

• FRAG stands for fully recognized and graded; this means that the sentence is understandable, but not perfect, so it will receive a lower grade.
• FRAG means fragment, or only a part of something, not the whole thing. So this is not a complete sentence. It is missing either a subject or a verb, or it does not express a complete idea.
• FRAG means “fragile”. In other words, this sentence has a good idea, but it is not written well. It needs to be stronger.

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Faster English July 6, 2023

Correction codes are standardized symbols or abbreviations used to indicate and rectify specific types of errors in written text. They provide a concise and efficient way to identify and address mistakes, allowing writers to improve the accuracy and clarity of their work.

These codes are important for several reasons:

Precision: Correction codes enable precise identification of errors by categorizing them according to their type. Instead of providing lengthy explanations or rewriting entire sentences, codes offer a shorthand method to pinpoint specific areas that require attention. This precision saves time and effort, making the editing process more efficient.

Consistency: Correction codes provide a consistent and standardized approach to error identification and correction. By adhering to a set of established codes, writers and editors can communicate and understand errors in a uniform manner. This promotes clarity and ensures that corrections are made consistently throughout a piece of writing.

Efficiency: With correction codes, the editing process becomes streamlined. Writers can quickly identify the specific type of error without getting caught up in lengthy explanations. This allows them to focus on making the necessary corrections promptly, enhancing the overall efficiency of the editing and revision process.

Focus on Specific Errors: Correction codes help writers focus on specific areas of improvement. By highlighting different types of errors, such as spelling, grammar, punctuation, or word choice, the codes guide writers to target their attention on particular aspects that require correction. This targeted approach ensures a thorough review and reduces the likelihood of overlooking errors.

Learning Tool: Correction codes serve as educational tools, helping writers identify recurring mistakes and learn from them. By using the codes consistently, writers can track their progress over time, recognizing patterns in their errors and taking steps to improve their writing skills. The codes provide a framework for self-improvement and ongoing development as a writer.

In English, there are several correction codes used to indicate and rectify errors. Here is a list of commonly used correction codes in English:

SP: means Spelling Error – This code is used to indicate a spelling mistake in a word.

^: means A word or letter is missing: This code is used to indicate that a word or letter is missing.

GR means Grammar Error – This code is used to highlight a grammatical error in a sentence.

P means Punctuation Error – This code is used to identify a mistake in punctuation usage, such as missing or incorrect punctuation marks.

CS means Capitalization Error – This code indicates an error in the capitalization of words, such as using lowercase letters for proper nouns or starting a sentence with a lowercase letter.

VT means Verb Tense Error – This code is used to point out errors in verb tense consistency or incorrect verb usage.

WC means Word Choice Error – This code indicates an incorrect or inappropriate word choice in a sentence.

SV means Subject / Verb agreement error. This code indicates an error in subject/verb agreement within a sentence.       

AWK means Awkward Phrasing – This code is used when a sentence or phrase is poorly constructed or awkwardly worded.

RO means Run-On Sentence – This code is used to identify a sentence that lacks appropriate punctuation, resulting in two or more independent clauses joined together without proper separation.

FRAG means Sentence Fragment – This code indicates a sentence that is incomplete or lacks a subject, verb, or both.

MOD means Modifier Error – This code is used to highlight errors in the use of modifiers, such as misplaced or dangling modifiers.

COH means Lack of Coherence – This code is used to indicate a lack of logical or cohesive connection between sentences or paragraphs.

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Proofreaders' and Teachers' Correction Marks

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Confused about the teacher's squiggly marks on your paper? This list of correction marks includes the most common proofreader marks you'll see on your paper drafts. Be sure to make these corrections before turning in your final draft.

Grace Fleming

The "sp" on your paper means there is a spelling error. Check your spelling, and don't forget about commonly confused words . These are words like effect and affect  that your spell check won't catch.

Capitalization

If you see this notation on your paper, you have a capitalization error. Check to see if you have put the first letter of a proper noun in lower case. It's a good idea to read over a guide to  capitalization rules  if you see this mark often.

Awkward Phrase

 Grace Fleming

The "awk" indicates a passage that seems clunky and awkward. If the teacher marks a passage as awkward, you know that they stumbled over your words during their review and became confused about your meaning. In the next draft of your paper, be sure to rework the phrase for clarity.

Insert Apostrophe

Grace Fleming 

You will see this mark if you've omitted a necessary apostrophe. This is another mistake that the spell checker won't catch. Review the rules for apostrophe use and revise your paper accordingly.

Insert Comma

The teacher will use this mark to indicate that you should insert a comma between two words. Comma rules can be quite tricky, so it's important to review the rules of comma usage before you submit your final draft.

Begin New Paragraph

This mark indicates that you need to begin a new paragraph in a certain location. When you revise your paper, be sure to rework your format so that you begin a new paragraph each time you complete one point or thought and begin a new one.

Remove Paragraph

Sometimes we make the mistake of starting a new paragraph before we complete our message or point. Teachers will use this mark to indicate that you should not start a new paragraph at a particular point. If you are having difficulty with how to divide your paper correctly, it might be helpful to read over some tips for writing effective  transition sentences .

The "delete" symbol is used to indicate that a character, word, or phrase should be deleted from your text. Wordiness is a common problem for writers, but one you can overcome with practice. When you omit unnecessary words, you make your writing crisper and more direct. Practice reading your paper over a few times before you submit to see if you can make your point more effectively with fewer words.

Insert a Period

Sometimes we omit a period accidentally, but other times we jam sentences together in error. Either way, you will see this mark if the teacher wants you to end a sentence and insert a period at a specific point.

Insert Quotation Marks

If you forget to enclose a title or a quote within quotation marks, your teacher will use this symbol to mark the omission. There are specific guidelines regarding quotation mark usage , and it's helpful to review these from time to time to ensure that you are using quotation marks correctly.

To transpose means to switch around. It's really easy to type ei when we mean "ie" — or make some similar error when typing. This squiggly mark means you need to switch around some letters or words.

Move Right (or Left)

Spacing errors can occur when formatting a bibliography or indenting text. If you see a mark like this one, it indicates you should move your text to the right. A bracket open to the right indicates that you should move your text to the left.

Seeing Lots of Red Marks?

It's easy for students to feel disappointed and deflated when their first draft comes back all marked up with proofreading marks. However, a large number of correction marks on a paper is not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes, the teacher is so enthusiastic about the great work they're reading that they wants to help the student make it perfect. Don't let proofreading marks on a first draft get you down. After all, it's the final draft that matters.

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