Content

What is the paper mainly about?

What do you like best? Put an * next to the part you like best and note why you like it.

What parts are not clear? Put a ? next to the unclear portions and note why they are unclear to you.

Is each point supported with at least one example form the text or an outside source?

What paragraphs or ideas need more developing?

Structure and Organization

Does the introduction state a purpose for writing to a particular audience?
Does it give the reader an idea as to what the reader will find in the essay?

Did you tell what two things are being compared and contrasted? (if applicable) Did you tell how they are alike and different?

Did you use key words clearly?

Do the main ideas in each paragraph flow into the next idea?

Does each paragraph begin with an appropriate transition?

Does the conclusion sum up the major ideas of the paper and offer possible solutions to the problem or an overall understanding of the situation?

Grammar

Circle any words you are not sure of with a colored pencil or pen and consult an Online Dictionary and Thesaurus to find the correct spelling and meaning.

Are all of your quotes closed?

Those pesky commas! Do you need to consult GrammarNow! or The Grammar Lady?

Read aloud for errors. Reading aloud gives you the chance to hear the words on the paper. Sometimes in our haste to get a sentence written, we forget words like ‘a’ and ‘the’. It is also a good tool for checking whether or not each sentence makes sense in the context of the paragraph’s main idea.

Finally, after all is done, run the spelling and grammar check through your word processing program.

Revision Vision

What two parts do you think should be changed or revised? Look back to see where you marked for changes and additions when answering the questions above.

What could help make the paper more interesting?

What other quotes can you use to strengthen my details?

What is unnecessary and can be deleted?