You are on page 1of 2

WRITERS CHECKLIST

o Is my thesis clear or clearly implied and what do I expect from the paper
o Question logic used
o Have I supported my thesis thoroughly and effectively
o Are my paragraphs logically arranged
o Do I appear to be mature, fair, adult
o Read aloud
o Read from hard copy
o Each time you make small change read bigger picture

o Identify and eliminate wordiness


o Watch for - there is, there are, it is, this is
o Watch for - that is, that are, which is, which are, who is, who are
o Only use YOU when talking directly to reader
o Use transitions
o Should I have contractions or not (can’t to can not)
o Look for idioms and correct if possible
o Watch for common wordy expressions
 Due to the fact that BECAUSE
 Is able to CAN
 In the event that IF
 At the present time NOW
 Have a tendency to USUALLY
 Had a discussion DISCUSSED
 Made a decision DECIDED
o Watch for passive voice using is, are, was, were
 The bike was stolen by mary TO mary stole the bike
o Identify and eliminate choppiness
o Should words be informal or formal – Bike to Bicycle
o Expressions - died to passed away to kicked the bucket
o Specific Words - Weeping Willows from Trees
o Descriptive - cooked to grilled
o Qualifiers – make sure to not imply that entire groups are X
o HOW OFTEN – often, sometimes, generally, usually, frequently, most of
the time, in some cases, in most cases
o HOW MANY – many, a few, nearly all, most, some
o IS IT TRUE – seems to, appears to be, might, could, perhaps, probably,
maybe, likely
1. Revise Ideas – Clarify the Main Idea
a. Read one time thru, fast, then write out what the main purpose of essay is
b. If problems, find sentences that state purpose and see if they can fit in one
coherent statement paragraph
c. Test main idea for freshness and honesty – be brutal on points, fight with
yourself

2. Revise Details – Visualize and Support


a. Support each generalization with examples, sense details, descriptions,
facts

3. Revise Organization – Make it Easier on the Reader


a. Check the overall organization – skim main sentences, jot notes in margin
b. Make sure each paragraph sticks to one ideas
i. Are transitions smooth
c. Read intro then conclusion to make sure they fit with each other

4. Revise Word Use – Waxed Words Sparkle


a. Look small – do I repeat words
b. Be ruthless with clichés // define key words // Be concise

5. Revise Mechanics

You might also like