Checklist for Writing Narrative, Descriptive-Narrative, Personal Recount Essays

Overall Composition
Criteria of essay Check 1 by student Check 2 by peer
Name: Name:

(Please tick when (Please tick when appropriate)

appropriate)
Is there consistency in tenses
used?
If no, please identify the words:
Eg. Past tense are usually
employed in narrative essays

Is there consistency in
spelling?
If no, please identify the words:

Is there proper usage of

punctuations?

Eg. Exclamation marks (!), If no, please identify the errors:

commas(,), full-stops (.), dash
(-) and inverted commas (“ ”).

Are the paragraphs clearly

separated and at the same
time, show unity? If no, please identify the errors:

Is there relevance to the topic

of the essay?
If no, please identify why:
Eg. An impulsive act is an action
that is not pre-determined.

Is the word limit adhered to?

If no, please identify the current word

For GCE’O’ Levels, candidates limit:
are encouraged to write 500
words.

1
 Structure of a Narrative Essay
Introduction Remarks by peer:
Is there an elaborate description
of a setting?

Is the main character

introduced?

Complication Remarks by peer:

Is there a twist to the story?

Is there a wide usage of

creative devices?

Eg. Dialogues, similes,

metaphors, words that are
associated with multi-sensory
approach
Resolution Remarks by peer:
Does the essay have a
satisfactory ending?

Does the essay relate back to

the topic?

Eg. In the IMPULSE essay, did

the character regret the
consequences he/she faced?

Band Descriptors for the Assessment of Writing Section 1 (UCLES)

Band 1 Criteria
27-30 • Apart from very occasional slips, the language is accurate.
marks • Sentence structure is varied and demonstrates the candidate’s skills to use
different lengths and types of sentences for particular effects.
• Verb forms will be largely correct and appropriate tenses consistently used to
sustain a logical progression of events or ideas.
• Vocabulary is wide and precise.
• Punctuation is accurate and helpful to the reader.
• Apart from very occasional slips, spelling is accurate across the full range of
vocabulary used.
• Paragraphs have unity, are linked, and show evidence of planning.
• The topic is addressed with consistent relevance; the interest of the reader is
aroused and sustained.
• The tone and register are entirely appropriate to the topic.

*taken from University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate Mark Scheme for English Language: Composition,
Paper 1127/01