Sentence-Skills and Formatting Checklist
When you finish this writing, use this checklist to proofread and polish your work and ensure your essay is error-free.
- Are there any sentence fragments?
Remember that all sentences need to have a subject, verb, and complete thought. - Are there any run-ons or comma-splices?
Remember that a sentence should generally contain one major idea – multiple ideas in a sentence should either be broken into multiple sentences or corrected using coordination or subordination. - Is punctuation used correctly?
- Is the writing consistent with parallel sentence structure and consistent use of tense and point of view?
- Are all words used and spelled correctly?
Be careful using "confused words" (words that sound the same, but have different spellings/meanings and words that are quite different but have similar meanings) - Are language choices (diction) vivid and effective, and do they make the job of the reader easy and enjoyable? In particular, are slang, wordiness, repetition, and non-active language avoided?
- Do all paragraphs open with a topic sentence and focus on one topic and one message?
- Are paragraphs no shorter than a third of a page and no longer than two thirds?
Source: Erin Severs
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Last modified: Wednesday, September 6, 2023, 10:38 AM