Writing Checklist: Do’s and Don’ts



Writing Checklist: Do’s and Don’ts

1. Do not use contractions

2. Write out numbers that can be written with one or two words

3. Do not use abbreviations or “etc.” (T.V. becomes television, S.D. becomes South Dakota)

4. All punctuation goes inside quotations marks: “Ginger laughed.”

5. Exclamation points show surprise or strong emotion. Use them sparingly.

6. Semicolons link independent clauses-make sure that is what your semicolons are doing.

7. Capitalize first words of sentences, names, and proper nouns (books, religions, etc.)

8. Do not over use words in a sentence, paragraph, or essay. (i.e. really, someone,)

9. Begin each sentence and paragraph differently from the one before.

10. Avoid using the word “you” and “I,” the phrase “I think” and any reference to yourself.

▪ Rather than you use “people,” “an individual,” “a singer,” “surgeons,” “students on a field trip,” or another substitute.

▪ Simply take “I” out of your writing. Your sentence will be fine without it

▪ Don’t use phrases such as: “In my opinion, I believe,”

11. Omit the word “that” unless it is absolutely necessary.

▪ Read the sentence without the word “that.” If it still works, leave “that” out.

▪ Hand me that pencil. (Keep the “that.”)

▪ He will tell me that I have to drive home. (Omit the “that.”)

Writing Checklist : Does my paper?

Conventions

____My paragraphs are sound.

____Each of my paragraphs has one main idea.

____I have used correct grammar.

____I have used correct punctuation.

____Periods are at the end of my sentences.

____I have quotation marks around dialogue.

____My spelling is correct.

____My handwriting is legible.

Fluency

____My sentences begin in different ways.

____My sentences build upon the ones before.

____My sentences are different lengths.

____The meaning of each of my sentences is clear.

____My sentences flow and use correct grammar.

____There are no run-ons.

____My sentences are complete.

Organization

____My report is sequenced in order.

____My introduction is exciting and inviting.

____My ideas flow and are well connected.

____I have a satisfying conclusion.

Capitalization

____I have capitalized the first word in each sentence.

____I have capitalized people and pet names.

____I have capitalized months and days.

____I have capitalized cities, states, and places.

____I have capitalized titles of books, movies, et cetera.

Word Choice

____Every word seems just right.

____I used a lot of describing words.

____My words paint pictures in the reader's mind.

____I used strong verbs like darted and exclaimed.

____I used synonyms to add variety.

Ideas

____I used a graphic organizer to create and organize ideas.

____My ideas are written in my own words.

____My report is clear and focused.

____I understand my topic.

____My details give the reader important information.

____My ideas relate to one another.

____I have listened to suggestions from the teacher or peers.

-----------------------

___I have transition sentences

___My piece flows together from the beginning to the end.

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download