Revising Your EssayKaren Silvestri, Instructional Specialist

CLUESS

CoherenceLanguageUnityEmphasisSupportSentences

COHERENCEAre the ideas clearly related,

each one to the others and to the central idea?

PatternTransitionsRepetitionPronouns

PatternIs there a clear pattern of

organization?TimeSpace

Compare/ContrastCause and Effect

Argument

TransitionsDid you use transitional terms to

help move your sentences and paragraphs forward?

Repeat key wordsDid you repeat key words that

relate to the central idea to help your reader determine the central idea?

PronounsPronouns provide natural

connection links in your writing.

I tried to buy tickets for the concert, but they were all sold.

LANGUAGEUsageToneDiction

UsageIs the language you use

appropriate?Standard formal English

No slangNo clichés

No abbreviationsNo contractions

ToneIs your tone appropriate?Determine who your audience is

and be sure your tone is proper for that audience.

DictionDid you check your word

choices?

Your words should be

SpecificOriginal

UNITYAre the thesis and every topic

sentence clear and well stated?Do they indicate both subject and

focus?

SupportAre all the points of support

clearly related to the topic sentence of each paragraph and to the thesis of the essay?

Are there enough details to support each topic sentence and thesis?

Are the support points in the best possible order?

SENTENCESLengthVarietyProblems

LengthMake sure your sentences vary in

length.Too many short sentences make

the essay sound choppy.Too many long sentences make

the essay difficult to read.

VarietyAre the sentences varied in

length and beginnings?Are the sentences varied in

pattern (simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex)?

ProblemsFragmentComma spliceRun-on

Editing - COPS

CapitalizationOmissionsPunctuationSpelling

Other considerationsTitle – is it interesting and

original?Introduction – does it catch the

readers attention and include your thesis statement?

Conclusion – Does it sum up the essay, offer new insights, and effectively ‘close the door’?