Edit spelling, punctuation and grammar
Proofread for sentence boundaries, agreement and punctuation while preserving the intended voice.
Section Writing · Writing
Exam scope and assessment notes
This route follows Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500, 2027–2029 syllabus Version 1. It maps the Reading, Writing, and Speaking and Listening skill objectives, with original practice texts and model responses. Open-ended writing and speaking are self-checked against stated features; the examples are not official Cambridge answers, examiner marks or grades. Component 3 coursework and Component 4 speaking/listening require centre assessment and external moderation; Component 4 is optional and separately endorsed. The 2024–2026 syllabus, regional variants and live timed-paper grading are not mapped here. The separate 9–1 qualification 0990 has its own 2027–2029 course route; its 2024–2026 syllabus is not mapped. Human teacher review remains important for extended responses and spoken work.
Before you begin
- Be able to read and write short English responses. Lessons explain the reading, writing and speaking strategy they practise; no prior Cambridge mark scheme knowledge is assumed.
Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.
Quick readiness check
Which sentence has correct subject–verb agreement?
What you will learn
- Correct sentence-boundary errors
- Check agreement and tense consistency
- Use punctuation to clarify meaning
Understand the skill
Accuracy includes spelling, punctuation and grammar. A run-on sentence can hide where one idea ends; inconsistent tense can confuse the timeline. Proofreading is more effective when you check one feature at a time rather than rereading only for general impression.
Separate what the source or task actually gives you from the interpretation you build. Use precise evidence and make each sentence do a clear job for the reader or listener.
Apply it deliberately
First check sentence boundaries, then subject–verb agreement, tense and punctuation. Read aloud or point to each clause to catch missing words. After corrections, confirm that the voice and meaning still fit the task.
Check the finished response against the audience, purpose, form and task limits. More than one response may work when it is supported by the source and communicates clearly; the model is one defensible example, not the only acceptable answer.
Pause and explain
Choose the correct word: ‘The players left ___ boots by the door.’
Worked example
Edit: ‘The group were ready, they packed there bags and leaves at dawn.’
Show the worked solution
- Correct agreement for the chosen collective-noun usage.
- Separate the run-on and fix ‘there’ as a possessive.
- Keep the past tense consistent.
Answer The group was ready. They packed their bags and left at dawn.
Try a topic test
Choose Easy, Normal or Difficult. Save your answers and open worked review after finishing.
Test this topic →From guided practice to a new situation
Write your answer and reasoning first. Use a hint only if you are stuck. The model solution is for self-checking; your written work is not automatically marked.
Correct: ‘The lights was off, we waited outside.’
Give me a hint
Check agreement and sentence boundaries.
Compare my reasoning
- ‘Lights’ is plural, so use ‘were’.
- The two clauses need a clear boundary.
- Retain the original meaning.
The lights were off, so we waited outside.
Look for these in your work
- Agreement fixed
- Clauses joined correctly
Correct: ‘Neither of the doors were locked, so the caretaker check them.’
Give me a hint
Find the subject for each verb and keep tense consistent.
Compare my reasoning
- ‘Neither’ is singular in this sentence, so use ‘was’.
- The caretaker is singular, so use ‘checked’ in past tense.
- Retain the second clause's meaning.
Neither of the doors was locked, so the caretaker checked them.
Look for these in your work
- Agreement
- Tense
Proofread: ‘Its a useful route, however the path becomes narrow near the bridge.’
Give me a hint
Check the contraction, punctuation and sentence connection.
Compare my reasoning
- ‘It is’ requires ‘It's’.
- ‘However’ introduces contrast and needs appropriate punctuation.
- Use a full stop or semicolon before the transition.
It's a useful route; however, the path becomes narrow near the bridge.
Look for these in your work
- Contraction
- Punctuation
- Contrast retained
Common mistakes
- Changing style while missing an obvious error
- Using a comma alone to join two complete sentences
- Confusing their, there and they're
What can you explain now?
What is a comma splice?
Compare with the explanation
Two complete clauses joined only by a comma
Use a full stop, semicolon or suitable conjunction instead.
After trying it yourself, choose your next review. This is your self-assessment.
Your review choice appears on Today. Sign in to sync it across devices.
Make it stick
What two checks are useful when a sentence feels difficult to read?
If you needed the solution, close it and solve the problem again from a blank page. A correct answer is stronger when you can explain the reason for each step.