English 10
Self/Peer Editing
I.
Format
1. Is there a complete essay? Is there a clear introductory paragraph, body
paragraphs, and a complete conclusion?
2. Is the MLA format correct? Are the margins correct? Double-spaced?
Parenthetical Documentation? Works cited included?
Notes on what needs fixed or done.
II.
Introduction
1. Is there a clear focus geared toward the topic (central idea)?
2. Is there a clear thesis statement that clarifies what the paper will entail? Is
it in the opening paragraph? Does it focus on the assignment? Does it have
a limited/specific subject? Does it have particular features of the paper? Is
it stated in one clear and direct sentence?
3. Does the introduction naturally flow from one statement to another? Does
it transition well into the thesis?
III.
Body Paragraphs
1. Does each body paragraph transition from the previous paragraph? Does
each body paragraph have a clear topic sentence to show the clarity of the
paragraph? If not write down specifically what paragraph and give a
suggestion to help the writer.
2. Are there several specific examples used in each body paragraph to
support your paragraph and thesis statement? If not, what can be added to
create more depth and detail?
3. Does the paper flow well overall? Is it organized well?
4. Does the information seem to be accurate? If no, what seems inaccurate
about it?
5. Are all uses of parenthetical documentation corret? Are direct quotations
properly documented? Are all other uses of parenthetical documentation
done correctly? If not, what needs corrected?
IV.
Conclusion
1. Is the conclusion a full paragraph?
2. Does the conclusion introduce new material? If so, how can the writer fix
this?
3. Does the writer properly conclude the essay’s overall ideas? Does it
clearly let the reader know the paper has ended?
V.
Mechanics
1. Is the essay written in all third person?
2. Is the essay written in present tense?
3. Is the essay free of informal language usage, like abbreviations or
contractions?
4. Is the paper clean of surface errors?
-Spelling
-Fragments or Run-ons
-Subject-verb agreement
-Capitalization
-Punctuation
-Pronoun-Antecedent agreement