Many students tell us that they don't know what to check for once they have finished their essay. They usually know to check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling, but they often see other details as less important because of the high emphasis placed on grammar and punctuation in their early education. Writing experts generally agree, however, that while details such as grammar and punctuation are important, they are less important than solid organization, fresh writing, and creative content.
The following guidelines are designed to give students a checklist to use, whether they are revising individually or as part of a peer review team.
Organization
- Is there a clear introduction, body, and conclusion?
- Does the introduction provide sufficient background or context for the reader?
- Is there a thesis statement? Is the purpose of the essay clear?
- Are there sufficient transitions between related ideas?
- Does every paragraph have a topic sentence (a sentence at the beginning of the paragraph that introduces the main idea of the paragraph)?
- Does every paragraph address the subject matter of the thesis in some way?
- Is the overall organization murky or clean? In other words, does the writer avoid introducing new material in the conclusion or switching subjects in the middle of a paragraph in the body?
Content and Style
- Has the assignment been fulfilled?
- Does the essay show an awareness of the audience?
- Is the tone of the essay appropriate?
- Is the length appropriate and adequate?
- Has the writer used sufficient examples and detail to make his or her points clearly?
- Is the language convincing, clear, and concise?
- Has the writer used fresh language and a creative approach?
Research and Sources
- Are all sources credible and accurate?
- Has the writer correctly interpreted the findings?
- Is the documentation on the Works Cited/References page and in the body of the essay correct?
- Have all quotations been checked against the original?
- Are all quotations introduced?
- Has the writer commented on each source used?
- If material was paraphrased, are the sources still mentioned?
Proofreading
- Has the writer checked grammar and punctuation?
- Has the writer spell-checked the essay?
- Are the page numbers correct?
- Is the title capitalized correctly?
- Has the writer used the correct margin and font?
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