The Last Moment Checklist
By Helen Philpott, MA
If you think you are ready to turn in your essay, check the following:
(I suggest that you print out this page and mark an X next to each question as you check)
Is there an introductory paragraph?
Does the introductory paragraph restate the question?
Does the introductory paragraph have a thesis statement?
Does each paragraph have a clear topic sentence?
Do the topic sentences of the body paragraphs support the thesis statement?
Do the topic sentences of the body paragraphs have key words from the thesis statement?
Do the ideas in each body paragraph support the topic sentence?
Do you have at least two or three supporting facts, examples, illustrations, or explanations in each body paragraph?
Are the details (examples, facts, illustrations, description) clear?
Have you paraphrased your sources correctly?
Have you used the in-text citation and the reference page citation (explained by Bill Collinge) correctly?
Is there a concluding paragraph?
Does the concluding paragraph restate the thesis statement?
The concluding paragraph doesn’t include any new information, does it?
Does the concluding paragraph end with a recommendation or a prediction?
Does the essay answer all parts of the question (of your title)?
Has the grammar been checked and corrected?
Has the spelling been checked and corrected?
Do you have a separate title page?
Do you have a reference page?
Have you checked your margins?
Have you checked your indention?
Is your paper double-spaced?
Do you have a jagged (not straight) write-hand margin?
Do you have a running-head title on each page except for the title page?
Do you have page numbers starting from two on each page except for the title page?
If you have used quotations, have you done it properly?
Does your paper have the word count?
Does your paper have 500-600 words?
Are you glad you are done with it?