Revision Checklist

Remember your paper should be 2-3 pages long

*In order of importance*

Strong Response
1. Do I take a clear stance? Do I join the conversation as an expert (instead of commenting on an expert)?
2. Do I include rhetorical analysis (evaluating the actual word choices of the author)?
  1. Remember, their goal is NOT to entertain. Do I avoid phrases like "to engage the reader," "makes it more interesting," and "to grab the reader's attention"?
3. Do I include ideas analysis (evaluating the logic behind the argument and the topic as a whole)?
4. Do I include reflective analysis (personal, cultural experiences)?
Writing
1. Is my paper organized in a clear, efficient manner?
  1. Do I include an introduction that both introduces the topic AND the article (including title, author, and publication place)?
  2. Do I include a summary and review of each article? Is the summary effective? Does my reader now know enough to join the conversation?
  3. Are my body paragraphs organized in a clear manner?
    1. Do I AVOID organizing by writing type (rhetorical, reflective, etc).
    2. Do I have similar ideas organized together?
    3. Do my paragraphs work together to achieve a purpose?
  4. Do I include a conclusion/recommendations paragraph that does not restate the issue, but answers and provides a new understanding for the reader?
2. Are the needs of the audience met? Do I consider their biases, etc?
3. Is my choice of role effective? Do I sound like an expert? Do I consider my biases?
4. Is my paper convincing? Do I achieve my purpose?
5. Evidence is included and effective, including embedding quotes into my actual sentences (adding legs).
Grammar
1. Voice is confident, knowledgeable, engaging, and effective.
2. Commas are correct, including:
  1. Commas after dependent clauses, but not before them
  2. Commas with FANBOYS between two independent clauses, but not if it is just a list of two items
  3. Oxford comma
3. MLA format is correct, including:
  1. Paper formatting
  2. In-text citations
  3. Works Cited page

To help you edit: Cut and Slash!

Cut any paragraphs that are not fully developed
Cut any analysis or reflection that doesn't work towards achieving your purpose
Cut pointless words
1. Try to use only 3 “that’s” in your whole paper
2. Avoid:
  1. you
  2. Just
  3. Really, Very
  4. Then
  5. Totally, completely, absolutely, literally
  6. Definitely, certainly, probably, actually, basically, virtually
  7. Said, replied, asked
  8. "I like," "I believe," and "I think."
  9. the reader, the quote, the paper, the assignment