Writing checklist

Organization
Is there a clear introduction, body, and conclusion?
Does the introduction provide sufficient background for the reader? Are the "who," "where," "why,"
"what," and "how" questions addressed?
Is there a thesis sentence? Is the purpose of the essay clear?
Does the essay move from general to specific?
Are there sufficient transitions between related ideas?
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?
Does every paragraph address the subject matter of the thesis in some way?
Content and Style
Does the essay show that the writer has a knowledge of the audience?
Is the length appropriate and adequate?
Has the writer used sufficient examples and detail to make his or her points clearly?
Has the assignment been addressed?
Is the tone of the essay appropriate?
Has the writer avoided insulting the reader?
Is the tone of the essay professional and appropriate?
Is the language convincing, clear, and concise?
Has the writer used fresh language and a creative approach?
Research and Sources
Are all sources credible?
Is the research accurate, unbiased, and complete?
Has the writer fully interpreted the findings?
Has the writer commented on each source used?
Is the analysis based on hard evidence?
Is the analysis free of faulty reasoning?
Is the documentation in the Works Cited page and body of the essay correct?
Have all quotations been checked against the original?
Are all quotations introduced? Is the flow of the essay seamless?
If material was paraphrased, are the sources still mentioned?
If necessary, are limitations clearly spelled out?
If included, are recommendations based on accurate interpretations?
Have all facts been checked for accuracy?
Have any potentially libelous statements been eliminated?
Proofreading
Has the writer checked grammar and punctuation?
Has the writer spell checked the essay?
Has the writer checked for his or her particular pattern of error?
Are the page numbers correct?
Is the title capitalized correctly?
Has the writer used the correct margin and font?

Did I remember to indent?

Did I remember to spell basic words
correctly?
Is there a punctuation mark at the end
of each sentence?
Did I re-read everything to be sure it

makes sense?
________ Is my handwriting neat?
________ Do I have a good opening (topic)
sentence?
________ Do I have a good ending (closing)
sentence that wraps up my writing?
________ Did I do my best? Am I proud to hand
my work in?
________ How many sentences did I write?

Essay Writing: Writers Checklist

Introduction:
Is the main idea (i.e., the writers opinion of the story title) stated
clearly?
Is the introductory paragraph interesting? Does it make the reader
want to keep on reading?
Body Paragraphs:
Does each body paragraph have a clear topic sentence that is related
to the main idea of the essay?
Does each body paragraph include specific information from the text
(including quoted evidence from the text, if required by the instructor)
that supports the topic sentence?
Is there a clear plan for the order of the body paragraphs (i.e., order
of importance, chronology in the story, etc.)?
Does each body paragraph transition smoothly to the next?
Conclusion:
Is the main idea of the essay restated in different words?
Are the supporting ideas summarized succinctly and clearly?
Is the concluding paragraph interesting? Does it leave an impression
on the reader?
Overall Essay:
Is any important material left unsaid?
Is any material repetitious and unnecessary?
Has the writer tried to incorporate voice in the essay so that it has
his/her distinctive mark?
Are there changes needed in word choice, sentence length and
structure, etc.?
Are the quotations (if required) properly cited?
Has the essay been proofread for spelling, punctuation, grammar,
etc.?
DOES THE ESSAY HAVE AN INTERESTING AND APPROPRIATE TITLE?
Introduction

Is the main idea stated clearly?

Body

Essay Writing: Writers Checklist

:

 Is the introductory paragraph interesting? Does it make the reader

want to keep on reading?
Paragraphs:
Does each body paragraph have a clear topic sentence that is related
to the main idea of the essay?
Does each body paragraph include specific information from the text
(including quoted evidence from the text, if required by the instructor)
that supports the topic sentence?
Is there a clear plan for the order of the body paragraphs (i.e., order
of importance, chronology in the story, etc.)?
Does each body paragraph transition smoothly to the next?
Conclusion:
Is the main idea of the essay restated in different words?
Are the supporting ideas summarized succinctly and clearly?
Is the concluding paragraph interesting? Does it leave an impression
on the reader?
Overall Essay:
Is any important material left unsaid?
Is any material repetitious and unnecessary?
Has the writer tried to incorporate voice in the essay so that it has
his/her distinctive mark?
Are there changes needed in word choice, sentence length and
structure, etc.?
Are the quotations (if required) properly cited?
Has the essay been proofread for spelling, punctuation, grammar,
etc.?
DOES THE ESSAY HAVE AN INTERESTING AND APPROPRIATE TITLE?

1.

The paragraph begins with a topic sentence that tells what the paragraph is about.

2.

Body sentences give more information about the topic sentence.

3.

The last sentence is a summary / conclusion sentence.

4.

Each sentence has a subject and a verb.

5.

Each sentence begins with a capital letter and ends with punctuation.

6.

Words are spelled correctly.

4.

Is any material repetitious and unnecessary

5.

Word repetition is avoided.

6.

Level 6 Paragraph Writing Checklist

Name:
Paragraph Title:
Yes
Ideas
Organization

On topic
Strong supporting details
Adequate length
Topic sentence
Logical order and transitions
Conclusion

No

Grammar and
vocabulary

Variety of simple, compound, and complex sentences

Consistent verb tense
No subject-verb agreement errors
Correct use of pronouns
Correct use of capitals, commas and punctuation.
Words are used correctly
Rich word choice
Few spelling errors