Journal Essay 2 Editing Checklist

Writer’s Name ________________________________________ Date _________________________ Period______

CATEGORY SELF EDIT PEER EDIT 1 PEER EDIT 2

Is one clear, well-focused topic evident?
Write the topic.
Are supporting details relevant, to give the reader
important information? Are details paragraphed?
Is the introduction inviting? Does it make you want
to read more?
What is the thesis? Write the thesis sentence of the
paper in the box in the left margin?
Does the conclusion restate the thesis using different
words and without new information?
Are the details clearly placed in a clear, logical
order? What order is used?
Are all sentences complete & well-constructed with
varied structure? What percentage simple?
Does the writer make any errors in grammar?
If so, where?
Does the writer make any errors in mechanics
(punctuation, capitalization, etc.)? If so, where?
Write some of the transitional words that the
writer uses to help the flow of the reading?
Does the choice and placement of the words seem
accurate, natural and not forced?
Has the writer eliminated clichés, jargon or informal
language (except dialogue)?
Has the writer eliminated expletives (“there are”,
“there is”, etc.)?
Has the write eliminated using the words “you” and
“yours” in the essay?(Unless dialogue or
instructions like how to do something)
How many linking verbs (is, am, are, was, were,
etc.) have not been eliminated? Only 3 allowed!
Does the writer follow all the requirements of the
assignment? margins, word count, font, etc.
Make two suggestions to the writer to help him/her 1. 1.
Thesis Sentence:

improve the essay.

2. 2.
1. 1.
Make two positive comments to the writer.
2. 2.

Editor 1 ______________________________ Editor2 ______________________________

E-mail the final draft to tfurgason@jcsc.org by _______________________