Final answer:
Proofreading a paper by someone who did not write it can be beneficial due to cognitive familiarity that the author has with their own text, which can result in overlooking errors. Revision and thorough proofreading are crucial in presenting well-written papers. Strategies for self-revision include reading aloud and taking breaks between writing and revising.
Step-by-step explanation:
Having a friend proofread your paper is one way to eliminate errors because we often overlook errors when we proofread our own papers as a result of our cognitive familiarity with the text. This phenomenon occurs because our brain tends to 'fill in the gaps' and read what we intended to write, rather than what is actually on the page. A proofreader who is not the author, such as a friend, will not have this preconceived notion of the text and is more likely to spot mistakes.
It is important to revise and proofread carefully, as our own ability to catch errors can be affected by our closeness to our work. Professors may have different tolerances for various types of errors, but a paper that is well-revised and carefully proofread is universally important. This task is about presenting your best work and not assuming any aspect of your essay can be overlooked.
When revising on your own, some strategies include reading your draft aloud to identify areas needing improvement, allowing for time between drafting and revising, and welcoming feedback from others. Such external insights provide valuable perspectives that can improve your writing significantly.