The term 'CHECKS A PROOF' can be summarized by the crossword solutions of READS (5 letters). This term is used in the context of proofreading, which is the process of carefully reviewing a document for errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting. The person responsible for proofreading is known as a proofreader, and they are tasked with ensuring that the document is accurate and free of any mistakes before it is published or distributed. By checking a proof, the proofreader is verifying that the document meets the standards of accuracy and correctness.