Developmental English
Revision and Editing Checklists
Check your essay for the following:
Whole Essay
Main Ideas Sentences and details are logically connected.
Clear Thesis/Topic Sentences/Significant Points (in conclusions)
Logical Sequence/Clear Pattern of Organization
Clear Pattern of Development: the kind of content used (description, narration,
Comparison/contrast, etc.)
No off-topic information
Read essay aloud
Paragraphs
Clear Topic Sentence/paragraph deals with one main idea only
Sufficient Information to demonstrate/prove the main idea
Into Paragraph: identifies subject/topic, creates reader interest, and states Thesis
Body Paragraphs: organized for effective sequence/clear sequence within
paragraphs
Conclusion Paragraph: effective closing points, one most significant point which
stands out, closure for the reader
Sentences
Read Aloud
Variety of sentence length
Effective structure—clear subjects and verbs and compliments (as needed)
Consistent Verb Tenses
Use specific and descriptive language
Eliminate repetition and unnecessary words
Words
Subject Verb Agreement
Pronoun Agreement
Verb Tenses
Correct Word Meaning; also, effective word choice—lots of specific details
Mechanics
Periods and commas (no question marks or exclamation points)
Caps
Spelling
Spacing and Margins
Manuscript Form and Layout
Titles
Simple and direct
Avoid Topic Titles
No underline, no quotation marks, no Italics, no Bold Face Print
Caps—follow the basic caps rules for titles