Approaching grammar can be a daunting task. Don’t worry! Like learning to play an instrument, grammar takes practice and is best approached in small steps. Think about grammar in terms of fluency before accuracy. In other words, even before addressing grammar, ask yourself larger questions: Does my paper follow the assignment or guidelines? Do my paragraphs support my thesis statement? Are my paragraphs appropriately structured with topic sentences and supporting details? Are my sentences clear?
Once you have addressed these larger questions, the next step is revision. In the revision stage, grammar comes into play through peer and self editing. Focusing on a couple of key issues and looking for recurring problems is a great way to start thinking about the seemingly endless concept of “grammar.” We have compiled a list of resources and handouts that address common grammatical concerns.
