English 2 Research Paper
Focus on Word Choice, Sentence Fluency, and Conventions
Use the table below to look at your paper's sentences one at a time. Write the first word, verbs, any adjectives or adverbs, sentence length
(number of words) and punctuation used for each sentence.
# First three words
Predicate
Number of words
Internal punctuation
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
You are looking for patterns that will distract readers and weaken your overall paper. When you identify a pattern, change it in your paper.
English 2 Research Paper
Focus on Word Choice, Sentence Fluency, and Conventions
Word Choice:
Look at the columns titled “First word,” “Verbs,” “Adjectives,” and “Adverbs” to answer the following questions:
“First Word”:

Do my sentences often start with the same words? (Starting your sentence with varying words is ideal.)
“Verbs”:



Are my verb choices weak? (Strong verbs are ideal.)
 examples of strong verbs: identify, prove, state, link, reflect, maintain, decide
 examples of weak verbs: have/has/had, is/was/are/were, could/would/should, get, go
Are the verbs passive or active? (Active is ideal.)
 passive: The paper was dropped. The kids were punished.
 active: Jane dropped the paper. The mother punished her kids.
Do I use the same verbs over and over? (Using a variety of verbs is ideal.)
“Adjectives” and “Adverbs”:




Do I have enough descriptive writing in my paper?
Do I use enough adjectives and adverbs?
Are the adjectives and adverbs good, precise choices?
Do I use the same adjectives and adverbs over and over?
Look at the column titled “Sentence Length” to answer the following questions:


Do I vary my sentence length
Are my sentences too short or too long?
Look at the column titled “Punctuation” to answer the following questions:
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
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Do I ever use a semicolon or colon? (This indicates utilizing complex or compound-complex sentences and is ideal.)
Do I use the comma correctly?
Do I need a question mark and use a period?