Before You Submit

If you take a deliberate approach to essay writing — including how you prepare, how you write and how you follow through — you will see consistent improvement in your writing.

Students do themselves a favor when they respect the process and understand that they aren't actually done with their essay (or the writing process) when they finish writing their essay, there are still important steps that need to be taken to ensure excellence.

Consider using this checklist.

A step-by-step approach to polishing and publishing your essay:

Revisit the instructions. Make sure you have implemented every aspect of the instructions including formatting, inclusion of a Works Cited (if needed) and proper submission. Also, take a close look for submission instructions. Make sure you submit to the proper place — do you need to submit to Turnitin.com? Do you need a copy of your Turnitin receipt? Do you need to print a paper copy? Do you need to submit to Classroom? Missing instructions can be a costly mistake. Many high school teachers give zeroes if students don't submit properly and on time.
Reread the prompt. IF you don't answer the whole prompt, you will likely earn a C or lower. Answer the WHOLE prompt. A good technique for double-checking is to read the prompt, then read your thesis and topic sentences — Do they answer/address the WHOLE prompt?
Revise: Revision is when students reread and tweak the content of their essay (conceptual changes). This is different from editing which has more to do with grammar, spelling and punctuation (cosmetic changes). Here is where you reread and ask questions such as —
- - Is my thesis whole (answers the whole prompt) and arguable? (meaning, includes opinion without personal pronouns). The thesis is the most important sentence of your paper. Take some time with it.
  - Are my topic sentences arguable?
  - Did I include proof/support in the form of quotes? Did I cite my quotes properly, using MLA style?
  - Did I follow the two-chunk structure? (meaning, do I have two quotes + commentary for each body paragraph).
  - Do I need to expand my commentary to explain HOW my quotes prove my point?
  - Did I check that my commentary IS NOT summary but IS analysis?
  - Do I have smooth and logical transitions between body paragraphs?
  - Do I have an insightful conclusion?
  - Think about words and sentences. Is that the right word in the right place? Am I practicing concision and precision? Am I using a variety of sentence formats? Are my verbs in their shortest, most active forms? Am I using the literary, present tense?

- - - Consider using the following revision techniques:
    - Read your essay aloud, SLOWLY, to yourself and/or a listener. If you stumble, then likely you need to edit either your sentence or your punctuation. You will also notice issues such as concision (avoid long, wordy, overcomplicated sentences) and precision (use precise words, not dead or vague words). Check out the OPHS English Style Sheet for dead/vague words to avoid.
    - Peer edit. It is perfectly acceptable to ask a peer, parent or sibling to read over your work and make suggestions. What is NOT acceptable is for them to write your paper or make changes to your paper. We suggest changing the Google Doc settings (top right corner) from 'Editing' to 'Suggesting.' That way, no one can directly change your paper, however, they can type in suggestions.

4. Edit. Check for grammar, spelling and usage. Again, consider reviewing the OPHS English Style Sheet for a list of common errors and links to learning how not to make those errors.

5. Submit. This might be harder than you think. Check the instructions so you know WHERE and HOW to submit your paper.

- IMPORTANT notes on Turnitin.com:
  - If your teacher asks you to submit to Turnitin.com, make sure you do so properly. You will know you've taken all steps if you see your receipt and originality report. Go HERE, here for instructions.
  - I (Caitlin McCranie, 10th grade Honors English teacher) tell students to screenshot their digital receipt. It pops up when submission is complete and says, "Congratulations - your submission is complete!" (see image, below). This technique insures students have submitted correctly AND they have proof, just in case there is an issue.
  - Often, students upload their paper but forget to press "submit," then "confirm," or they press "submit" but log off or they rush to close their computer before submission is complete. Screenshotting this page will solve both issues. YOU must take responsibility for submitting your paper correctly. THIS is an excellent tool to be sure you do so.

- - Warning: Don't accidentally submit the wrong paper. If you title all of your essays 'English Essay' this might be a problem. Consider a naming protocol like 'Smith_Hamlet_Character_Analysis.'
  - Turnitin.com date and time stamps. Your teacher will know if you submit late.
  - Many teachers grade and offer feedback on Turnitin.com. It isn't just a plagiarism checker.