What role does proofreading play in technical writing?

Proofreading is a crucial step in the technical writing process, primarily aimed at eliminating errors and enhancing the overall quality and professionalism of the document. This involves closely reviewing the text to identify and correct typographical mistakes, grammatical errors, punctuation issues, and any inconsistencies in formatting or style. By doing so, proofreading ensures that the final document is clear, coherent, and effectively communicates the intended message to the audience. A well-proofread document establishes credibility with its readers, showing that the writer is meticulous and values the quality of their work.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary function of proofreading. Adding content does not align with the purpose of this stage, as proofreading focuses on refining existing material rather than expanding it. Checking for plagiarism, while important in writing, is a distinct process that occurs at an earlier phase and is not the goal of proofreading itself. Additionally, making a document visually appealing pertains more to formatting and design, which are separate from the grammatical and content-related focus of proofreading.