Writer’s Check List
1. Avoid an incomplete, nonspecific thesis.
2. Avoid an incomplete conclusion.
3. Avoid incomplete body paragraph; not enough explanation/vague or trite cm.
4. Avoid wandering from thesis. Remember, examples must explain the thesis and CD.
#1-4 are modeled on “The Interlopers” writing assignment packet.
5. Never say I think, I feel, I believe, etc. You are the author; your reader knows that
everything in the paper is your opinion, your analysis, your thoughts, etc.
6. Never use slang, but do use appropriate vocabulary and word choice. (Remember to keep
a formal tone. You are not writing a note to your homeboys)
7. Never use contractions ( or incorrect expression such as should of should have)
8. Use personal pronouns sparingly and NEVER use YOU, US, WE, I (unless a personal
narrative form of writing) in your essay.
9. Do Not use Filler Phrases—due to the fact that, to tell the truth, as a matter of fact.
10. Avoid clichés.
11. Avoid run-ons, incorrect punctuation on sentences, fragments, no sentence variety. (refer
to sentence types notes)
12. Avoid beginning a sentence with there are or this is which means absolutely nothing!
The reader may ask “this what?”
Example:
WEAK--“This marks the first step Paul D. took in confronting his past experience.”
BETTER—“This act marks the first step Paul D. took in confronting his past experience.”
13. Avoid blah sentences that do not give specifics. Use strong verbs, nouns adjectives and
adverbs. ACTION verbs!
14. Do use spell check and a thesaurus.
You will receive instruction on these elements 2nd quarter
15. Avoid Subject/Verb agreement problems. Identify the subject and verb of each sentence
and make sure they agree.
16. Singular subjects require singular verbs; plural subjects require plural verbs.
17. Pronoun agreement problem/no antecedent
Singular subjects require singular pronouns—plural require plural
The pronoun they is plural and should not be used with a singular subject!
(singular—his, her, its, one’s) (plural—their)
EXAMPLE: “Morrison clearly declares that any type of enslavement negatively affects one’s
ability to relate to their (should be one’s) identity.”
Use he not he/she
Always think, to what does the pronoun refer?
18. Avoid Passive Voice
There were leaves on the ground. passive
Many leaves covered the ground.
19. Avoid incorrect placement of modifiers.
20. Eliminate the verb “show” from your writing. “Show” is a weak verb. It is
nondescript. Demonstrate your sophisticated vocabulary skills. After contemplating
exactly what it is you would like to say, please consider using one of the following verbs.
demonstrates
illustrates
proves
affords
typifies
divulges
parades
flashes
guides
materializes
illuminates
symbolizes
bolsters
advocates
exhibits
proffers
manifests
proclaims
enlightens
reveals
brandishes
flaunts
directs
validates
embodies
mirrors
upholds
relates
exemplifies
supports
offers
supplies
epitomizes
projects
disports
indicates
establishes
authenticates
represents
endorses
sustains
presents
submits
marks
discovers
maintains
unveils
exposes
conducts
determines
displays
personifies
defends
champions
NEVER use “This shows that....”
WEAK--“This shows that even though she was set free, enslavement prompted her to.....”
BETTER--“Even though she was set free, her psychological enslavement prompts her to....”
21. If your sentence ends in a preposition, it is often poorly constructed. A
sentence which ends with “of” or “for” can often be reworded and will be much less
awkward. When you proofread your essays, be on the lookout for sentences which
end in prepositions. REWORD THOSE SENTENCES, so they no longer end in a
preposition! Your writing will be less awkward and more precise.
22. Possessive nouns use apostrophes! PLEASE—USE APOSTROPHES to indicate
possession.
EX. Mary’s car
NOT Marys car!
23. Basic misuse of words—affect / effect; loose / lose; their / there; to / too; its / it’s
These basic grammatical concepts when used incorrectly will drastically undermine
your credibility as a writer.