ELA Style Sheet

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?