Backwards!

Read aloud backwards (ending to beginning) to check for spelling errors.

Comments for Backwards!

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Jun 07, 2012
 A classic
by: Audrey

This is a great tip, one that is used by proofreaders. It works because it helps you to focus on each word instead of reading for meaning.

When we read for meaning, we skip most of the text. That's what makes us efficient readers. We guess what's coming next based on our knowledge of language and the subject matter. Then we do a quick glance at the next word to see if we are right. If the word is about the right length and shape and starts with the letter we expect, we move on. Not the best way to check for spelling.

So checking each word from the end of the sentence to the beginning works because it slows down the reading and makes us focus on the details of the actual word before us.

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