“Checklist: Revision” in “About Writing: A Guide”

Checklist: Revision

The draft addresses a question or issue that readers will care about.
The draft is written at the audience’s level, accounting for their level of knowledge and attitudes.
The thesis is clear and placed at or near the beginning of the paper.
All ideas within the draft relate to the main thesis.
There are plenty of organizational cues (topic sentences, headings, etc.) to help guide the readers through the paper.
Ideas are presented in an order that makes sense.
Paragraphs are long enough to cover the topic, but short enough to keep it interesting.
The evidence used is relevant and persuasive.
All ideas are fully developed.
Any unnecessary material has been deleted.
The point of view is appropriate both for the draft’s purpose and the intended audience.

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