汇丰商务英语写作教程（35）

除了用字典来帮助我们减少错误，我们还可以用peer editing这种方法来完善信件。

Editing: Peer Editing 

Peer editing is another strategy you can use 

But what exactly is "peer editing"?

When two people learn English, they both learn different things at different times. In other words, your friend or colleague will know some things that you haven't learned yet. And you will have learned things that they don't know yet.

As a result, you can help each other. 

At HSBC all staff are encouraged to work with a colleague to edit each other's writing. When two people do this, they become "learning partners." 

Have you ever worked with a colleague or friend to edit each other's writing?

If you have, make a list of the benefits you found.

HSBC staff who practise peer editing

1. get a different way of looking at their own writing

2. become more aware of their own errors

3. enjoy learning with each other

4. gain confidence in their own writing skills.

You've now learned the first two editing strategies. You've learned how two "friends" - a dictionary and a colleague - can help you edit what you write.

You also may want to know how you can reduce the amount of time you need for editing.

Two other strategies will help you improve your skill in using English. As your skill improves, you'll use less time in editing because you make fewer errors.

Editing: Using A Grammar Reference Book 

To help you edit what you have written, you can use a dictionary.

However, to continuously improve your English language skills (and reduce the need for editing), you can use a grammar reference book.

Some useful grammar books are:

Common Business English Errors in Hong Kongby John Potter (Longman)

The Language of Business Englishby Brieger and Sweeney (Prentice Hall)

The Collins Cobuild English Grammar: Self study edition with answer key(HarperCollins)

Practical English Usageby Michael Swan (Oxford)

Choose a grammar book that gives you an opportunity to practise as you learn and has an answer key.

If you know how to find information on the internet, you can also study English grammar on-line. Many sites are available. You can access them by using the Search function and typing "English+grammar".

A grammar book is designed so that you can find the answer to particular problems of English grammar.

A grammar book is a reference book. You don't start at Unit 1 and study the units one by one. You don't even need to study a whole unit at a time. Different people have different problems, so they need to look at different points in different units.

l        Look at the Table of Contents. Each unit deals with different grammar point. Unit headings identify the grammar points (for example, "Nouns", "Prepositions","Modals"). Choose the grammar point you want to study.

l        Look at the Index at the back of the book. The Index is an alphabetical list of grammar points. You can find the grammar point you want to study by looking in the Index.

l        Look at the Glossary: Most grammar books explain the terms they use (for example, "determiner", "clause", "question tag") in a glossary.#p#分页标题#e#

Choose one area of grammar (eg verb + preposition) that

l        you are weak in

l        you use frequently at work

l        is important to you.

Use a grammar reference book to build up your proficiency in that area. When you feel confident in that area, then choose another area.

Your knowledge of and skill in using English grammar will increase over time. It takes time and patience to develop good language skills.

You can use a grammar reference book to improve your English in specific areas.

But how can you know which areas of English grammar you need to improve?

The next strategy will help you

l        decide which area of grammar to work on first

l        keep a record of your progress.