Review

• Have you used the same words many times for the same ideas?

Replace some of these repeated words with synonyms.

• Have you used powerful, accurate, and specific verbs and nouns?

Replace weak or vague words with stronger, more precise words.

• Have you included descriptive adjectives, adverbs, and phrases to produce clear images in the minds of your readers?

Add more description or make your description stronger. Make sure your ideas are stated clearly.

• Have you used pronouns too frequently? Are your pronouns too far away from the words they are referring to?

Make sure your reader will be able to follow what you are saying.

• Have you used different types and lengths of sentences?

If your sentences are all the same structure or length, try changing some to begin with an introductory phrase or clause. An essay that has only short sentences lacks fluency.

• Have you included transitional phrases or words that link the ideas in one paragraph to the ideas in the preceding paragraph? If not, add transitions at the start of your body paragraphs and your concluding paragraph. One idea should flow naturally from one paragraph to the next.
• Is your thesis statement clear and focused?

Identify the thesis statement and confirm that it clearly says what you want to say about your subject.

• Do your body paragraphs support your thesis?

Identify the main topic sentence in each of your body paragraphs and confirm that these paragraphs support your thesis.

• Does your concluding paragraph sum up your essay?

If your concluding paragraph adds any new information about your topic, you need to move that information to the body portion of your essay.

Use these statements as a guide to revise your essay for content, purpose, and format.

Content

The ideas are presented in a logical order.

The ideas are expressed clearly and concisely.

There is an adequate amount of detail that supports the ideas in the essay.

The meaning of each idea is clearly stated and supported with textual evidence.

There are clear transitions so the ideas flow in a logical manner.

The tone and style are appropriate to the subject matter.

Purpose

The purpose of the essay is clearly stated.

The purpose is clearly conveyed throughout the essay.

The ideas are organized in a way that accomplishes the purpose of the essay.

All the supporting evidence of the ideas is related directly to the purpose of the essay.

Format

The appropriate format is used to write the essay.

Each idea is developed equally and to the same extent.

Each idea is separated into paragraphs with clear topic sentences.