Using a Checklist

Slide 1

Tutor: OK, let’s go back and take one more look at all the points that we have considered in revising your work.

Student: How am I ever going to remember all this?

Tutor: Ah, that’s the point of using a checklist! Watch this tutorial on the revision checklist.

Slide 2 — The Revision Checklist

Slide 3

In this checklist, we will consider the organization and overall message of your paper.

(We will look at the details later.)

We will consider 10 aspects.

Slide 4

1. Is the purpose of your essay clear? In other words, is it to entertain, convince, or inform the reader? Can the reader easily see what the purpose is?

Slide 5

2. Is the thesis statement clear?

Slide 6

3. Is the introduction interesting enough to make the reader want to continue reading?

Slide 7

4. Are there smooth transitions between sections?

Slide 8

5. Are your paragraphs in the right order? Is the order logical?

Slide 9

6. Does every paragraph support the thesis statement?

Slide 10

7. Have you used enough specific examples or arguments?

Slide 11

8. Does the conclusion support the thesis?

Slide 12

9. Does the conclusion just repeat the introduction, or does it offer more? Does it leave the reader with a sense of completeness?

Slide 13

10. Does your essay have a consistent tone? In other words, do all the parts use the same level of formality? An academic essay should not contain slang. On the other hand, it should not be overly formal.

Slide 14

If the answer to any of these questions is “no” or “I’m not sure,” go back, take another look, and make any necessary changes. That’s it!

Slide 15

Student: OK, I get it, but I’ve already looked at some of these points!

Tutor: Yes, that’s true, but it doesn’t hurt to look at them again. Here is a short checklist that you can use for revision.

Slide 16

Clear purpose?
Clear thesis statement?
Interesting introduction?
Smooth transitions?
Logical order?
Support for thesis statement?
Specific examples?
Conclusion supports thesis?
Completeness in conclusion?
Consistent tone?

Slide 17

Student: I’ve finished with the checklist, and I did make a few changes!

Tutor: Excellent! I know that that was a lot of work.

Slide 18

Next, select Reflection Questions: Revising Your Work in the menu on the left.