Types of academic writing

Pre-writing

• Did you carefully read the question/assignment, taking note of keywords and specific requirements?

Writing

• In the introductory section, did you clearly state what you plan to do in the paper/assignment (e.g., the thesis statement)?
• Did you define your terms when necessary?
• Did you include only relevant material in your discussion?
• Are you accurate and factually correct in all your statements?
• Did you present the information in a logical and effective order?
• Is your message simple and clear?
• Would an illustration, figure, or table be appropriate and add to the completeness and clarity of your work?
• Do the paragraph divisions give coherence to the argument or line of thinking?
• Is your work complete? Does your research evidence support your conclusions?
• Would an educated yet uninformed person understand everything you wrote?
• Did you take in to account any opposing arguments or evidence?
• Are your references complete and accurate?
• Is your tone and expression consistent throughout the work?
• Do you have an appropriate title?
• Do you have a consistent style for headings and sub-headings?

Review

• Did you proofread your work (spell-check and grammar-check)?

Final check:

• Have you met the objectives of the assignment?
• Do you have your name and course number on the assignment?

© Royal Roads University, 2008. Originally created by Dr. Audrey Dallimore, and was adapted with permission from the author.