Self-check your writing
To complete your work, tick the points that are relevant to your writing. For those that are not
relevant, consider the suggestions for possible improvement.
Subject
Self-check
Improvements
 All my ideas are
relevant to the topic.
Rearrange any misplaced
paragraphs.
Delete any irrelevant information
or ideas which repeat themselves.
Content
 My ideas are
presented clearly and
logically.
Add connectors between
paragraphs.
 I didn’t use the same
words or phrases
more than once.
Find repeated words/phrases in the
dictionary and replace them with a
synonym or rephrase the sentence.
 I used words that we
have studied recently.
If not, check your notebook to
include some in your piece of
writing.
 My paragraphs deal
with only one aspect
of the subject.
If there is more than one idea in a
paragraph, separate into two
paragraphs
 There is logical
development within
the paragraph.
Build each paragraph around a
theme/key sentence. Add an
explanation, example(s) and a
conclusion.
 Connectors connect
between sentences
and paragraphs to
create a logical flow.
Add connectors/linking words
where possible, from the list
studied.
Vocabulary
Paragraphs
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Subject
Language
Layout
Self-check
Improvements
 The verbs agree
with their subjects
and the nouns
match.
If third person is used, make sure
you added an /s/ to the verb. Make
sure that you have the nouns
coordinated with regards to
singular/plural.
 The verbs are in the
correct tense
(present, past,
irregular verbs in
the past, etc.).
Pay attention to the time
expressions you used and match the
verbs accordingly.
 The punctuation is
accurate.
Check by reading aloud and see
where the pauses fit.
 The spelling is
accurate.
Use the dictionary or the computer
spell-checker.
 Word order is
correct
Check the sentence order (subject,
verb, object).
 Paragraphs are
separated with a
line space.
Insert an empty line between
paragraphs.
 There are margins
and paragraphs are
indented.
 There are opening
and closing
salutations for a
letter or speech.
 If it’s a letter don’t
forget to begin
with: “Dear ___,”
and end with
“Sincerely,” etc.
 The tone is
appropriate for the
subject.
Check what kind of language is
necessary for the audience of this
piece of writing: formal, informal,
humorous, etc.
 The level of the
vocabulary fits the
topic and genre.
Check what words are necessary
for the audience of this piece of
writing: simple or sophisticated.
 There is a clear and
interesting
introduction.
When reading the piece out loud,
do I want to continue reading; does
it grab attention?
 There is a sound
conclusion.
How did I end my writing? Is the
reader left with a question or an
answer?
Style
Organization
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
Keep this page and use it before you hand anything in.
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