Student Informational Checklist
IDEAS
____My paper is clear, focused, and purposeful.
____I have plenty of information from experience and research
____I chose information I knew would answer readers’ questions.
____I use evidence and examples to support ever single point I make – no gaps.
ORGANIZATION
____My lead gets your attention and lets you know where I am headed
____My main idea jumps right out at you.
____The whole thing is organized to help you go from point to point without ever feeling lost.
____Every statement I make relates in some way to my main point.
____My conclusion reinforces and supports my main point.
VOICE
____I have energy, enthusiasm, and the confidence that comes from knowing a topic well.
____You can tell I like this topic.
____You’ll want to know more about this topic, too, once you read my paper.
____I thought of my audience the whole time I was writing – and tried to answer their questions.
____My voice is strong – but under control (not too funny, sarcastic, etc.).
WORD CHOICE
____I know the territory. The language of this topic is NOT foreign to me.
____I make the meaning of every word clear. I define confusing or new words, or give examples.
____I avoid jargon. But I do use technical terms if they are needed.
____I avoid vague language, too: stuff that’s like, you know, too vague and stuff.
____The words I choose are right for my audience – first graders, high school students, scientists, the general public, or whoever.
SENTENCE FLUENCY
____Every sentence in my paper is grammatically correct. I checked.
____Sentences begin in different ways.
____I use linking words (My second point...On the other hand...) to show how ideas connect.
____My sentences are concise, not wordy.
____You will find my writing very easy to follow.
CONVENTIONS
____My mechanics (spelling, punctuation, grammar) are correct. I edited this paper.
____The presentation is a Wow! It will catch your eye (including Mr. Coleman’s eye!) and make key points a snap to find.
____The format goes with the purpose: business letter, report, etc.
____For reports, I used a title and subtitles, bullets, numbers, etc. to help break up the text and make it easy to find information.
____If I used pictures or other graphics you’ll see right away how they link to my writing.
____If I quoted any sources, or used any information from others, I cited my sources correctly and thoroughly.