Did you consider using a conventional pattern of organization?
Titles and Headings
Did you revise the title of your document so that it
clearly states the subject and purpose of your document?
is precise and informative?
Did you revise the headings to
avoid long noun strings?
be informative?
use a grammatical form appropriate to your audience?
Did you avoid back-to-back headings by including an advance organizer?
Paragraphs
Did you revise your paragraphs so that each one
begins with a clear topic sentence?
has adequate and appropriate support?
is not too long for readers?
uses coherence devices such as transitional words and phrases, repetition of key words, and demonstrative pronouns followed by nouns?
Lists
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Is each list of the appropriate kind: numbered, lettered, bulleted, or checklist?
Does each list contain an appropriate number of items?
Are all the items in each list grammatically parallel?
Is the lead-in to each list structured and punctuated properly?
Are the items in each list punctuated properly?
Sentences
Are the sentences structured with the new or important information near the end?
Are the sentences the appropriate length?
Does each sentence focus on the “real” subject?
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Does each sentence focus on the “real” verb, without weak nominalizations?
Have you used parallel structure in your sentences?
Have you used restrictive and nonrestrictive modifiers appropriately?
Have you eliminated misplaced modifiers, squinting modifiers, and dangling modifiers?
Words and Phrases
Did you
select an appropriate level of formality?
use active and passive voice appropriately?
use precise words?
provide adequate detail?
avoid ambiguity?
avoid unnecessary jargon?
use positive rather than negative constructions?
avoid long noun strings?
avoid clichés?
avoid euphemisms?
avoid unnecessary prepositional phrases?
use the most concise phrases?
avoid fancy words?
use nonsexist language?
use the people-first approach in referring to people with disabilities?