Editing academic texts is a discipline in its own right. Our editors follow the Scribbr Improvement Model© to ensure your thesis or paper meets the stringent standards of academic writing. However, please note that we never check the substantive contents of your document.
The Scribbr Improvement Model© is divided into two parts: reviewing your language and reviewing your academic writing.
Part 1 – Reviewing your language
Part 2 – Reviewing your academic writing
| Area of concern | Specific topic |
|---|---|
| 1. Does the text have an academic tone? | Using academic vocabulary |
| Avoiding inappropriate words and phrases | |
| Avoiding vague and redundant formulations | |
| 2. Are quotations written correctly? | Making changes to quoted text |
| Using correct punctuation in citations | |
| Spelling mistakes in citations | |
| 3. Are numbers written correctly? | Using words or numerals to express numbers |
| Using commas and periods in numbers | |
| Using symbols and units with numbers | |
| 4. Are abbreviations written correctly? | Properly introducing abbreviations |
| Consistently using abbreviations | |
| Following other abbreviation rules | |
| 5. Are point of view/voice choices appropriate? | Avoiding first person pronouns (when requested) |
| Avoiding second person pronouns | |
| Using a consistent voice | |
| 6. Is the writing understandable? | Avoiding unclear sentences |
| Using tenses that are appropriate for different sections of a thesis |