Checklist: Revising Your Writing

CHECKLIST

Revising Your Writing

  • If someone else just read my topic sentence or thesis statement, what would he or she think the paper is about? Would the main point make a lasting impression? What would I need to do to make it more interesting?
  • Does each support point really relate to my main point? What more could I say about the topic so that someone else will see it my way? Is any of what I have written weak? If so, should I delete it?
  • What about the way the ideas are arranged? Should I change the order so that the writing makes more sense or has more effect on a reader?
  • What about the ending? Does it just droop and fade away? How could I make it better?
  • If, before reading my paragraph or essay, someone knew nothing about the topic or disagreed with my position, would what I have written be enough for him or her to understand the material or be convinced by my argument?

You may need to read what you have written several times before deciding what changes would improve it. Remember to consider your audience and your purpose and to focus on three main areas: unity, detail, and coherence.