{"id":5710,"date":"2026-03-26T16:25:58","date_gmt":"2026-03-26T21:25:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eastcentral.edu\/learning-center\/?page_id=5710"},"modified":"2026-03-26T16:26:23","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T21:26:23","slug":"self-editing-checklist-for-college-papers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.eastcentral.edu\/learning-center\/self-editing-checklist-for-college-papers\/","title":{"rendered":"Self-Editing Checklist for College Papers"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"Â鶹Éç<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Introduction<\/h2>\n\n\n

\u2610 Title<\/strong><\/p>\n

You should have an interesting, meaningful title that captures the reader\u2019s attention. Don\u2019t<\/strong> simply name the assignment (i.e., Argument Essay).<\/p>\n

\u2610 Hook<\/strong><\/p>\n

The opening sentence(s) of your paper should grab the reader\u2019s interest and make them want to read more. Possibilities:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n
      \n
    • Brief story that illustrates your main idea (HINT: be sure you can connect this to your thesis in a meaningful way)<\/li>\n
    • Concrete example<\/li>\n
    • Surprising fact<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      \u2610 Thesis<\/strong><\/p>\n

      A strong thesis statement will provide a clear outline for the whole paper. Keep in mind:<\/p>\n

        \n
      • \n
          \n
        • The thesis should match the assignment. A thesis for a compare-contrast paper will be different from a thesis for a research paper or a persuasive paper.<\/li>\n
        • A thesis should never be written as a question.<\/li>\n
        • A thesis statement is often placed at the end of the introductory paragraph.<\/li>\n
        • A strong thesis statement will often forecast the main points to be covered in the paper.<\/li>\n
        • A separate forecast statement can also work well.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n

          Body Paragraphs<\/h2>\n\n\n

          \u2610 Does each paragraph have a topic sentence that clearly summarizes all of the points in that paragraph?
          \u2610 Does each topic sentence clearly relate back to the thesis statement?
          \u2610 Does all of the information in the paragraph relate to the topic sentence?
          \u2610 Are the body paragraphs in the same order as the topics in your thesis\/forecast statement?
          \u2610 Does the concluding sentence in each provide a transition to the next paragraph<\/p>\n\n\n

          Editing the Text<\/h2>\n\n\n

          \u2610 Have you removed unnecessary words, especially adverbs (very, really\u2026)?
          \u2610 Have you used a varied vocabulary? Use a thesaurus or dictionary to find replacements for repeated words.
          \u2610 Are your sentences varied in terms of length and structure? A mixture of long and short sentences is best.
          \u2610 Are all of your transitions smooth and clear?
          \u2610 Are your verb tenses consistent? Do they match your discipline? (History=past; Literature=present)
          \u2610 Are you using strong, interesting verbs? (\u201churried to the store\u201d is more interesting than \u201cwent to the store\u201d).
          \u2610 Are you using active voice<\/strong> rather than passive voice? Examples:<\/p>\n

            \n
          • \n
              \n
            • Active voice: Andrew bought the book.<\/strong><\/li>\n
            • Passive voice: The book was bought by Andrew.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              \u2610 Have you read your paper out loud to catch errors that are hard to find? (This really is one of the best ways to revise your writing.)<\/p>\n\n\n

              Formatting<\/h2>\n\n\n

              \u2610 Did you make sure the margins, page numbers, headings, line spacing, & etc., meet the formatting style the instructor requires? HINT:<\/strong> The Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab) website provides helpful guidelines for most formatting styles, including:<\/p>\n

                \n
              • \n
                  \n
                • MLA (English & Humanities)<\/li>\n
                • APA (Social Sciences)<\/li>\n
                • Chicago Manual of Style (History)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  \u2610 Margins
                  \u2610 Page numbers
                  \u2610 Heading(s)\/Cover Page
                  \u2610 References\/Works Cited\/Bibliography Page<\/p>\n\n\n

                  Integration of Sources<\/h2>\n\n\n

                  \u2610 Have you placed a citation after EVERY use of source material?<\/p>\n

                  \u2610Concepts\/Ideas: Even if they are described in your own words, concepts and ideas derived from sources should be cited.
                  \u2610Summaries
                  \u2610Paraphrases
                  \u2610Quotations<\/p>\n

                  \u2610Are all of your quotations introduced and explained properly?<\/p>\n\n\n

                  Grammar and Mechanics<\/h2>\n\n\n

                  \u2610 Have you checked your paper for spelling errors?
                  \u2610 Have you looked for common punctuation problems, such as comma usage?
                  \u2610 Is your paper free of fragments and run-ons?<\/p>\n\n\n

                  The Learning Center<\/h2>\n\n\n

                  \u2610 Have you considered making an appointment with an English Specialist in the Learning Center? We can help!
                  \u2610 Have you considered using the Online Writing Center? You typically will receive comments within 24 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n

                  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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