J. Alexander (ENG 101)
College Composition I

Checklist for Writing Essays

• Select a “gripping” title to attract the readers’ attention and interest
• Keep introductory paragraph short/condensed
• Keep the introduction flowing smoothly
• Proofread for typing/grammar errors
• End paragraphs with “clinchers” that refer to the main point of the paragraph
• Reiterate points at the end of the paper in the same order as they are discussed throughout
• Watch for sweeping generalities without proving examples
• Keep the emphasis on one point within each paragraph (coherence)
• Combine short sentences to form complex sentences (using semicolons and commas correctly)
• Use good transitions between paragraphs
• Keep organization clear point by point
• Watch wordiness; cut out the “verbal fat”
• Keep a consistent point-of-view; don’t keep switching from “I” to “you”
• Watch comma splices; do not separate sentences with commas
• Avoid vagueness in thesis sentence
• Avoid paragraphs which are too short and ineffective; paragraphs generally require at least three sentences
• Don’t overlap or repeat points throughout the paper
• Begin paragraphs with the topic sentence; don’t introduce details before doing so
• Don’t use sentence fragments
• Avoid weak verbs and especially forms of “to be”
• Avoid using structures like “there is” and “there are”
• Don’t over-rely on “-ing” verbs