Name: __________________________

Editing a Paragraph
Look Fors
1. Is each sentence a COMPLETE sentence? (Subject + verb and makes
complete sense)
Example:
Everyone who is of service to others has the potential to be great.
Because firefighters serve others.
2. Is there a clear THESIS indicating a clear POSITION?
- Does the thesis address the prompt?
- Do you take a clear side on the issue?
Example Topic: Which is more important: the journey or the destination?
- Strong thesis with a clear position: The journey allows one to have
new experiences and learn lessons; thus, it is more important than the
destination itself.
- Weak thesis with a lack of position: The journey helps you learn
lessons, and the destination means that you have reached your goal.
3. Is each sentence ON TOPIC?
- Does it expand on the THESIS/Topic Sentence?
Example: Because firefighters risk their lives to serve others, they are
considered great. Each day, they are presented with an opportunity to make
life safer for the community. Sometimes they even put out multiple fires at
once.
4. Does each sentence have proper WORD CHOICE?
- Look out for:
- To/too/two
- a lot (alot)
- Their/there/theyre
- Pronoun agreement
Right: Each student to check his or her backpack.
Wrong: Each student needs to check their backpack.
- Avoid using you
- Check use of got
5. Check for SUBJECT- VERB AGREEMENT:
- Singular subject = Verb has an s
Example:
John needs a pencil
- Plural subject= verb doesnt have s
Example:
John and Tammy need a pencil.

6. Are the sentences in proper order with a LOGICAL SEQUENCE (flow)?

No Logical sequence: My first day of college was a disaster. First, I went to
the wrong classroom for math. When I got to the correct class, all twenty-five
students turned and looked at me as the teacher said, Youre late. In reality, I was
supposed to be in geometry, and when I discovered my error, I had already missed
the first twenty minutes of a one-hour class. I was sitting in the wrong class,
surrounded by people taking notes and paying attention to how to do equations,
which would have been okay if I was supposed to be in an algebra class.
Logical sequence: My first day of college was a disaster. First, I went to the
wrong classroom for math. I was sitting in the class, surrounded by people taking
notes and paying attention to how to do equations, which would have been okay if I
was supposed to be in an algebra class. In reality, I was supposed to be in
geometry, and when I discovered my error, I had already missed the first twenty
minutes of a one-hour class. When I got to the correct class, all twenty-five students
turned and looked at me as the teacher said, Youre late.
7. Check for PUNCTUATION use.
- Review comma rules
- Review semicolon rules
- Check for end punctuation
8. Could a SEMICOLON be used if there isnt one in the essay?
Example: My first day of college was a disaster. First, I went to the wrong
classroom for math.
Revised with SEMICOLON: My first day of college was a disaster; I went to
the wrong classroom for math.
9. Check for SENTENCE VARIETY and complexity.
- Does every sentence begin the same way? Are there short, choppy
sentences?
Example: Firefighters must be able to handle a lot of stress. They have a
demanding job every day. They must be physically and mentally equipped.
They must remain aware at all times.
Revised: Because firefighters must be able to handle a lot of stress with their
demanding job, they must be physically and mentally equipped and remain
aware at all times.
10. Does the paragraph use SOPHISTICATED words?
Example: By putting other first, police officers are big public servants.
Revised: By putting others first, police officers are impactful public servants.
11. Avoid CONTRACTIONS.
Example: Putting others first isnt difficult.
Revised: Putting others first is not difficult.