Self-check your writing

[I don’t like the lay-out of this page very much.JK]

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

Content

/ All my ideas are relevant to the topic. / Rearrange any misplaced paragraphs.
Delete any irrelevant information or ideas which repeat themselves.
My ideas are presented clearly and logically. / Add connectors between paragraphs.

Vocabulary

/ 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.

Paragraphs

/ 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.

Language

/ 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).
Layout /

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.
Style
/ 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.

Organization

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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?

Keep this page and use it before you hand anything in.

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