Academic Writing Checklist

Use this checklist to assess your writing at every stage, from planning to completion.
It will help you identify areas that need more work and highlight what you have
achieved.

Planning

 Do I understand exactly what the question is asking?

 Can I find relevant academic sources to use?
 Can I develop a logical argument based on evidence from my sources?

Introduction

 Have I included a clear thesis statement*?

 Have I outlined key concepts/theories relevant to my topic?
 Have I listed the key points my assignment will cover?

Main Body

 Do my paragraphs follow the PEAL** structure?

 Are my paragraphs in a logical order?
 Have I used signposting language to guide my reader through the work? (e.g.
‘On the other hand’, ‘Similarly’, ‘Moreover’, etc.)
 Have I used suitable and varied evidence?
 Does the evidence support my point?
 Have I made reasoned judgments about the strengths and weaknesses of my
sources?
 Are there other viewpoints that could be significant?
 Have I explained how and why my evidence is relevant?
 Have I given reasons for my argument?
 Is my language technical and formal?

Conclusion

 Does my conclusion mirror the introduction?

 Have I restated the thesis statement?
 Have I mentioned the key points covered in my work?
 Have I made relevant suggestions or recommendations about this topic area?

Copyright © 2020
Libraries and Learning Innovation
Leeds Beckett University

https://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/skills-for-learning
Editing and Proofreading

 Does each point I make support my thesis statement?

 Have I followed the assignment brief?
 Have I repeated any words or phrases too often?
 Can I read my work aloud easily?
 Are there any typos or formatting problems?

*A thesis statement is your main argument expressed in one sentence. For

example, ‘This essay will argue that global warming is man-made’. You should
include a thesis statement in your introduction.

**PEAL stands for ‘Point, Evidence, Analysis, Link’. Each paragraph should
contain one key point, which is supported by evidence. You also need to explain
why you have included that evidence (‘Analysis’). Then, provide a link back to the
main question/argument or to the next paragraph. It’s recommended that you use
this structure to build your essay paragraphs.

2
https://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/skills-for-learning