Final answer:
Proofreading is difficult due to both unconscious and conscious inferences that can cause us to overlook errors in our own writing. Employing strategies such as reading aloud or taking breaks before revising can help overcome these challenges. The correct answer to the question is (c) Both unconscious and conscious.
Step-by-step explanation:
Proofreading can often be difficult due to the unconscious and conscious inferences we make while reading our own work or editing. These challenges arise from our tendencies to overlook errors, as our brain can automatically 'fill in the gaps' or correct mistakes without us consciously noticing them. This phenomenon can be observed when we inadvertently accept incorrect grammar, spelling, or even encounter lapses in logical reasoning because our familiarity with the text and the editing focus may blind us to these issues. Utilizing tools like reading aloud or allowing some time between writing and revising can aid in identifying problems that we may unconsciously ignore. According to Freud, much of our mental activity is unconscious, and this influences our behaviors and perceptions. Similar unconscious processes can affect proofreading, where slips or errors are not registered by the conscious mind immediately. Thus, the answer to the student's question would be (c) Both unconscious and conscious inferences contribute to the difficulty in proofreading effectively.