Essays title: __________________________

REVISION CHECKLIST for an essay

Authors name: _______________________
Focus

Read the opening paragraph; then skip to the conclusion. After reading the two, ask yourself if they have
essentially the same focus. If your introduction and conclusion do not center on the same key idea, you need
to revise. Ask these questions.

Introduction
Is your introduction clear?
Does your introduction contain enough information so readers will know what to expect?
Thesis statement
Does your introduction contain your thesis statement?
Is your thesis statement clear?
Does your thesis statement show readers the main point of your essay?

Body of a paragraph
Does each sentence in your paragraph relate to your topic sentence?
Do you use appropriate transitional words and phrases so your work reads smoothly and guides your readers
from one thought to the next?
Have you given your readers enough examples, facts, or other details to support or explain your thoughts and
ideas?
Have you presented your thoughts in a logical order?
Is any vocabulary inappropriate or in need of additional definition?

Body paragraphs in an essay

Does each of your body paragraphs relate to your thesis statement?
Does each of your body paragraphs focus on a topic sentence?
Does each sentence in each body paragraph relate to the topic of that paragraph?
Have you presented your body paragraphs in a logical order? (Think about arranging them in chronological or
emphatic order)
Conclusion
Have you summarized the main points you presented in your paper?
Is your conclusion effective?
Is your conclusion relevant?
Have you made sure you did not include any new ideas or opinions in your conclusion?