Self Editing
Check if paper meets the required standard. Write no if you think the writer needs to
revisit the criteria.
Format
____double spaced?
____ 2 pt. font
____paragraphs indented?
____title?
____name and hour?
Introduction
____Author and titlel[s] mentioned?
____Does introduction start off with brief summary and narrow down to thesis?
____Are 3 supporting previews listed before thesis or within thesis statement?
1.
2.
3.
Thesis Statement:
_____ Is writer’s opinion or position on the topic clear?
_____Does thesis contain the how or why of the topic? ( Winton uses the
symbols of________to convey his theme of________.)
_____ Does thesis end with an emphatic definite) word? Make sure it doesn’t end with a
weak word such as was, will, is, or a preposition.
In your opinion, can the thesis statement be refined in more concise and elegant
language?
_____YES- needs a little work ____________No- it is good
First Paragraph
_____Does topic sentence introduce first main point of comparison?
(Make sure the writer doesn’t begin the sentence with “when.” This will reduce the
chance of starting with summary)
_____does first example relate back to topic sentence?
_____does second example connect to topic sentence?
_____are examples arranged in an effective order?
____ is the paragraph coherent? (Do the ideas and sentences flow together smoothly
connected by transitions that help the reader follow the writer’s argument?) Mark any
abrupt transitions with a circle and mark with a TP (needs transitional phrase)
Quotes
____Are quotes smoothly incorporated?
_____ did writer avoid saying, “Another quote that proves this is when…?” (circle the
offending phrase and write rephrase in margin.
____is context for quotation included?
____ does writer use his or her own words to explain the meaning of the quote? (in other
words what is the greater meaning of the quote in your own words?)
_____does writer include commentary that shows how quote relates to topic sentence or
thesis?
_____is quote properly introduced with either a comma or colon? (unless it is part of the
sentence, in which case it needs neither)
_____ are page numbers included? Period should go after parenthesis. Circle any that
need to be fixed.
_____Does the first paragraph end with a wrap up that explains how both examples relate
back to topic sentence or thesis?
_____In your opinion is the paragraph developed enough? If not check or write in what is
needed.
Needs:_____ more specific examples
_____ another supporting detail
______ less summary and more analysis
______develop idea more
______ could go a little deeper in commentary.
other:
Writing in First paragraph:
Go back and circle any awkward sentences, passive sentences or misplaced
modifiers.
_____Is there a strong transition between this first paragraph and the next?
Second Body Paragraph
_____Does topic sentence introduce second point of comparison?
(Make sure the writer doesn’t begin the sentence with “when.” This will reduce the
chance of starting with summary)
_____does first example relate back to topic sentence.
_____does second example connect to topic sentence?
_____are examples arranged in an effective order?
____ is the paragraph coherent? (Do the ideas and sentences flow together smoothly
connected by transitions that help the reader follow the writer’s argument?) Mark any
abrupt transitions with a circle and mark with a TP.)
Quotes
____Are quotes smoothly incorporated? (Otherwise it is a ghost quote and points will be
taken off.)
_____ did writer avoid saying; “Another quote that proves this is when…?” (circle the
offending phrase and write rephrase in margin.
____is context for quotation included?
____ does writer use his or her own words to explain the meaning of the quote? (in other
words what is the greater meaning of the quote in your own words?)
_____does writer include commentary that shows how quote relates to topic sentence or
thesis?
_____is quote properly introduced with either a comma or colon? (unless it is part of the
sentence, in which case it needs neither)
_____ are page numbers included? Period should go after parenthesis. Circle any that
need to be fixed.
_____Does the paragraph end with a wrap up that explains how examples relate back to
topic sentence?
_____In your opinion is the paragraph developed enough? If not check or write in what is
needed.
Needs:_____ more specific examples
_____ another supporting detail
______ less summary and more analysis
______develop idea more
______ could go a little deeper in commentary.
other:
Writing in paragraph:
Go back and circle any awkward sentences, passive sentences or misplaced
modifiers.
_____Is there a strong transition between this second paragraph and the next?
Third Paragraph
_____Does topic sentence introduce main idea of paragraph?
(Make sure the writer doesn’t begin the sentence with “when.” This will reduce the
chance of starting with summary)
_____does first example relate back to topic sentence.
_____does second example connect to topic sentence?
_____are examples arranged in an effective order?
____ is the paragraph coherent? (Do the ideas and sentences flow together smoothly
connected by transitions that help the reader follow the writer’s argument?) Mark any
abrupt transitions with a circle and mark with a TP.
Quotes
____Are quotes smoothly incorporated?
____is context for quotation included?
____ does writer use his or her own words to explain the meaning of the quote? (in other
words what is the greater meaning of the quote in your own words?)
_____does writer include commentary that shows how quote relates to topic sentence or
thesis?
_____is quote properly introduced with either a comma or colon? (unless it is part of the
sentence, in which case it needs neither)
_____ are page numbers included? Period should go after parenthesis. Circle any that
need to be fixed.
____Does the first paragraph end with a wrap up that explains how examples relate back
to topic sentence?
_____In your opinion is the paragraph developed enough? If not check or write in what is
needed.
Needs:_____ more specific examples
_____ another supporting detail
______ less summary and more analysis
______develop idea more
______ could go a little deeper in commentary.
other:
Writing in First paragraph:
Go back and circle any awkward sentences, passive sentences or misplaced
modifiers.
_____Is there a strong transition between this first paragraph and the next?
Conclusion:
_____Does conclusion start with “In conclusion”
if so, cross it out.
_____ are main points from essay reviewed?
_____ does writer explain what has been learned? (this will be similar to the thesis, but
stated in a fresh way.
_____ does writer conclude by placing discussion into a larger context?
Any comments?