Writing a Paper for Me

1. Did I begin each paragraph with a proper topic sentence?
2. Have I supported my arguments with documented proof or examples?
3. Are there any run-on or unfinished sentences?
4. Are there any unnecessary or repetitious words? Most people have verbal tics--make a list of your favorites and look for them when proofreading.
5. Vary the lengths of sentences. A nice mix of simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences help to keep your audience awake.
6. Does one paragraph or idea flow smoothly into the next?
7. Look for and fix any typos, spelling, or grammatical errors.
8. Is the quoted (and paraphrased) material accurate in source, spelling, and punctuation?
9. Are all my citations accurate and in correct format?
10. Did I avoid using contractions? Use "cannot" instead of "can't", "do not" instead of "don't" in formal academic work.
11. Focus on issues and ideas, not yourself. Avoid using phrases such as 'I think, I guess, I suppose." It is obvious that as the author, you write what you think/believe, and ascribe to others their own ideas. If such statements are habitual and get you moving on the paper, go ahead and use them; it is easy to go back and remove them at the last minute. That is what second drafts are for.
12. Have I made my points clear and interesting but remained objective?
13. Did I leave the reader with a sense of clarity and completion?

2002; Last revised July 14, 2008
Dr. Bonnie Duncan
bduncan@millersville.edu
1-717-871-2080
English Department
Millersville University
Millersville, PA 17551

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