Editing your Draft - April 3rd

I have included a handout/checklist for your draft that I would like you to print out and bring to class. Also, please bring a draft of your essay as I'll be discussing both editing methods and giving you time to work, with me and your peers, on your actual essay. See you tuesday!


Final Wisdom Essay Checklist

Read outloud
Print and read off computer
Give time between each edits
Keep questioning

Title- does it set tone? Catching?
Introduction: (not necessarily one paragraph)
Is there a thesis? Is the purpose clear?
Grabbing?
Does the intro set the tone (i.e. language, voice etc) for rest of paper?
Have you defined your intended reader? Do you use appropriate language/tone?

Body Paragraphs
Paragraph transitions – smooth? Does the end sentence lead the reader into the next?
Topic sentences – do they set the paragraph up appropriately
Have you cut excess? Can the paragraphs be tightened? Be concise!
Clear in your language? Are you using the strongest verbs / adjectives?
Consistent in voice/tone?
Graphs and diagrams – have you explained/analyzed the data? In essay or at the end?
Avoid vague/colloquial phrases/words (i.e. “In today’s society”, “This shows…”
“things”)
Research – have you presented AND analyzed the data? Tell me why/how info is
important
Are you specific in ideas and language?
Capital letters – names places only
Quoting – have you cited everything? Integrate quotes!
Sentence structure – varied? Not awkward? Concise?
Repetitious words? Run on sentences? Fragmented sentences?
Voice – pronoun consistency – you? we? I?
Punctuation – appropriate use of commas semi colons, colons?
Coherent/unified paragraphs? Does each paragraph hold and explain/explore one idea?

Conclusion
Effectively closed the paper?
Not simply restating – rethinking!
Strong language? Appropriately Brief?