WRITER’S CHECKLIST

  • 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

153

  • 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?

  • 153

    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?