When you have finished writing:

1. Reread what you have written.
2. Read it aloud to yourself.
3. Have a partner read the piece aloud to you.
4. Ask a friend, parent, or teacher to read the piece and
make suggestions.
5. Use the revision, proofreading, and editing checklists
to make corrections and improvements.

REVISION CHECKLIST (CONTENT AND MEANING):

Do I have enough ideas?
Do I stick to my thesis?
Are the topic sentences strong and interesting?
Do I have enough clear and specific supporting details?
Have I included examples to show and prove my point(s)?
Are the ideas arranged in a logical order?
Do the ideas flow smoothly?
Do I have a strong introduction and conclusion?

PROOFREADING AND EDITING CHECKLIST:

Are my sentences complete? Do I have any fragments or
run-ons?
Are my sentences varied in structure and length?
Have I used parallel constructions where appropriate?
Do all verbs agree with their subjects?
Are verb tenses consistent? (If I am writing about
literature, have I used present tense?)
Have I used the correct form of each pronoun?
Do pronouns agree in number, person, and gender?
Have I chosen appropriate and interesting vocabulary for
the SOAPS (See the "Essay" section)
Did I capitalize the first word in each sentence and all proper
nouns and adjectives?
Have I checked the spelling of words of which I am not
sure?
Did I use the dictionary or spell-check?
Are plural and possessive forms spelled correctly?
Did I indent my paragraphs?
If I included dialogue, did I indent each time a different
person spoke?
Are there any words missing?
Have I checked for punctuation, especially end punctuation?
If documentation is used, have I checked to make sure I
have the correct form and punctuation?