Evaluation Guide

Revision Guidelines

1.   Does the essay have a clear focus and main points?

Strengthen the introduction. Examine each paragraph for a topical sentence.

2.   Does the writer provide adequate supporting evidence (examples)?

Add more details, facts, primary source quotes, or examples to support your analysis.

3.   Are there unrelated ideas or details that distract the reader?

Cut irrelevant or distracting information. Avoid simple narration of events.

4.   Are unfamiliar terms and people introduced, explained or defined?

Define or explain unfamiliar terms or replace with familiar ones.

5.   Are ideas arranged logically?

Reorder ideas and details to clarify meaning.

6.   Are the connections between ideas and sentences clear and logical?

Add transition words to link ideas: therefore, for example, because, and so on.

7.   Is each sentence clear?

Use easily understood words and phrases.

8.   Does the writing contain jargon, clichés, unnecessary phrases?

Cut or replace with common terms, specific details, and fresh comparisons.

9.   Do sentences flow (read) smoothly?

Reorder to improve idea flow.

10.                  Too many passives?

Circle was, were. Revise into active voice.