0% found this document useful (0 votes)
5 views1 page

Essay Writing Self-Check Guide

This document provides a self-check list for writers to ensure their essay is properly formatted, uses correct mechanics, has a clear introduction, body and conclusion, maintains unity and coherence between paragraphs, and includes a reference list. The writer is to check off each item to confirm it meets the listed criteria.

Uploaded by

Julieta Rios
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
5 views1 page

Essay Writing Self-Check Guide

This document provides a self-check list for writers to ensure their essay is properly formatted, uses correct mechanics, has a clear introduction, body and conclusion, maintains unity and coherence between paragraphs, and includes a reference list. The writer is to check off each item to confirm it meets the listed criteria.

Uploaded by

Julieta Rios
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Appendix 1

Writer’s Self-Check
Writer: _______________________ Date___/__/___

Format
My essay is correctly formatted (title centred, first line of every paragraph indented,
margins on both sides, double-spaced?) YES – NO 

Mechanics
I checked punctuation, capitalization and spelling YES – NO

Content and Organization


My essay has all three parts: introduction, body and conclusion YES – NO

Introduction: Type of introduction: ___________________________


The introduction ends with my thesis               YES – NO

Body: The body has _____ paragraphs 


The topics of the body paragraphs are as follows: 
1) ___________________________
2) ___________________________
3) ___________________________

Unity: Each body paragraph discusses only one main idea, and there are no sentences
that are “off topic” 
YES – NO

Coherence: Each paragraph has coherence. My essay flows smoothly from beginning
to end           YES – NO
I repeat key nouns and/ or use synonyms                    YES – NO
I use transition signals to show relationships among ideas.                   YES – NO
I use transitions to link paragraphs.       YES – NO

Conclusion:  The conclusion a) summarizes the main points; b) paraphrases the thesis;
c) leaves the reader with the writer’s final thoughts on the topic (circle the ones that
apply to your paper)

Reference List
I have included a works-cited list/reference list on a separate page (the last page of the
paper) of all the sources of outside information I have used in my essay.     YES - NO

Grammar and Sentence Structure


Errors to check for include: verb tenses, S-V agreement, articles, sentence fragments,
run-ons, comma splices.
                                Number found and corrected
I checked my essay for _________________________errors _______________
I checked my essay for _________________________errors _______________
I checked my essay for _________________________errors _______________

Common questions

Powered by AI

The approach prioritizes eliminating sentences that deviate from the main idea within paragraphs to maintain unity. By ensuring each body paragraph discusses only one topic, writers can effectively keep their argument focused and clear, thus enhancing the overall quality of the essay .

Writers can use transitions to enhance coherence by linking ideas and paragraphs smoothly. Effective use of transition signals helps in showing the logical relationship between ideas, making it easier for readers to follow the argument or narrative throughout the essay .

The Writer's Self-Check guide suggests that each body paragraph should discuss only one main idea to ensure unity. This approach helps avoid sentences that are off-topic and maintains the focus within each paragraph. Unity is achieved by keeping all sentences related to the main point of the paragraph .

The Writer's Self-Check guide emphasizes that the thesis should be placed at the end of the introduction. This positioning helps establish the main argument early on and guides the development of the body paragraphs, ensuring that the entire essay remains focused on supporting the thesis .

The reference list in an essay serves the crucial role of citing all sources of outside information used by the writer. This not only acknowledges the original authors but also provides readers with resources to verify information or further explore the topic. It typically appears on a separate page at the end of the essay .

A well-structured essay should include three main parts: an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. The introduction must end with a thesis statement, the body should contain paragraphs each focusing on a single main idea, and the conclusion should summarize the main points, paraphrase the thesis, and leave the reader with the writer's final thoughts .

The guide recommends ensuring that the essay is correctly formatted with a centered title, indented first lines of paragraphs, and double-spaced text with proper margins on both sides. This consistency in format contributes to a professional and easily readable document .

Coherence in essay writing refers to the logical flow and consistency of ideas throughout the essay. Each paragraph should be coherent, meaning ideas should flow smoothly from one to another with the use of transition signals and repeated key nouns or synonyms to show relationships among ideas .

Key aspects include checking punctuation, capitalization, and spelling under mechanics, and reviewing verb tenses, subject-verb agreement, articles, sentence fragments, run-ons, and comma splices for grammar. These checks ensure clarity and correctness in writing .

The guide suggests a conclusion should summarize the main points discussed in the essay, paraphrase the thesis, and provide the writer's final thoughts on the topic. This approach helps reinforce the essay's argument and leaves a lasting impression on the reader .

You might also like