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Can you make these statements about your paper?
1. My paper meets the criteria for the assignment as stated in the assignment guidelines.
If not, outline the assignment guidelines, review paper, and revise as needed.
2. My paper has a title with an intriguing hint as to what I have written about.
If not, check out www.writingcenter.emory.edu/titles.html
3. My first few lines capture my readers' attention with interesting or creative ideas and language.
If not, check out www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/introductions.html
4. I have a focus and/or a thesis which is evident throughout the paper, and each of my paragraphs supports the main idea of my paper.
If not, check out www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/thesis_statement.shtml
5. I have supported my points with specific details--such as facts, figures, description, or quotations/paraphrase from texts.
If not, check out www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/using_evidence.shtml
6. My ideas flow from one to the next with appropriate transitions between them.
If not, see www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/transitions.html
7. My language and tone are right for the audience I wish to address.
If not, see www.faceweb.furman.edu~moakes/powerwrite
8. Each of my sentences conveys the meaning I want to express.
If not, see homepages.uhwo.hawaii.edu/~writing/sentstructure.htm or www.temple.edu/writingctr/student_resources/principles_of_clarity.htm
9. My conclusion sums up my ideas and gives a sense of closure.
If not, check out www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/conclusions.html.
10. I have checked any citation in a style manual or on a web page.
If not, check out www.lib.duke.edu/libguide/cite/works_cited.htm
11. I used spelling and grammar check, as well as relevant style manuals to check mechanics.
If not, consult our style manuals on the back wall for assistance.
12. I have proofread my paper and/or have had another person proofread it.
If not, read your paper aloud and/or read your paper backwards, from last sentence to first.
Also see www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/proofread.html
* Adapted from Tutoring Writing: A Practical Guide for Conferences by Donald A. McAndrew and Thomas J. Reigstad. Boynton/Cook Publishers: Portsmouth, NH, 2001. pp. 65 - 69.