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An Editing Checklist


  • Did the writer use proper MLA format--double-spaced heading; header in same font and size as essay text; centered title--12 pt., no bold, quotation marks, or underlined?
  • Is the essay written in the literary present tense throughout?
  • Is the essay double-spaced throughout with no extra space between the heading and title, or the title and the body of the essay?
  • Is there no extra .5 space in the lines of the heading or between paragraphs?
  • Does the essay have a strong introductory paragraph with a clear, narrow, specific, focused thesis statement?
  • Does the author refrain from analyzing or elaborating in the opening paragraph?
  • Are the names of the authors being discussed and the titles of their works (in the appropriate format) mentioned in the introductory paragraph?
  • Does the essay have a strong, focused voice?
  • Does the essay stick to the narrow thesis with no digressions?
  • Are all parts of the essay as clear and specific as needed? No vague or confusing statements?
  • Do the body paragraphs begin with the student's own sentences (no beginning quotes)?
  • Does the essay include quotes (words and phrases; no long quotes) with proper citation and format in the body of the essay?
  • When a quote ends a sentence, is the period after the parenthetical citation?
  • Are the body paragraphs substantive (usually seven or eight sentences)?
  • Does the essay include mostly the student's own ideas, analysis, explanation (not too many quotes)?
  • Does the writer analyze (explaining why and how the writing is effective) and avoid summary (simply telling what the writer does with no analysis)?

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