Narrative/Descriptive Essay Editing Checklist

Writer’s Name ________________________________________ Date ___________________ Period_________

CATEGORY Self Edit Peer Editor

Is one clear, well-focused story evident? What is the
idea behind the story?
Are supporting details relevant, quality details in a
logical order? What order is used? (chronological?)
Is the introduction inviting? Write the implied or directly-
stated thesis in the box to the left.
Does the conclusion restate the thesis using different
words and does not introduce new information?
Does the writer use dialogue that is appropriate and
advances the story? Does each speech begin a new
paragraph?
What point-of-view has the writer used - 1st person or 3rd
person? (No “you” except dialogue.)
Are all sentences complete and well-constructed with
varied structure? What percentage is not simple?
Does the writer make any errors in grammar that distract
the reader?
How many linking or passive action verbs does the
writer use? Only three allowed. (After six = 60%)
Does the writer make any errors in capitalization,
abbreviation, or punctuation? If so, where?
List some transitional words the writer uses to help the
flow of the reading?
Does the choice and placement of the words seem
accurate, natural and not forced?
Do clichés, jargon or informal language appear in the
essay? Have expletives been eliminated? (there is,
there are, etc.)
Did the writer follow the requirements of the assignment:
minimum 500 words, 12 font, 1 inch margins, etc.
(Fewer than 400 of required 500 words = 60%)
1.
Make two suggestions to the writer to improve the
essay.
2.

1.
Make two positive comments to the writer.
Thesis:

2.

Editor ___________________________________________

E-mail the final draft to tfurgason@jcsc.org by _________________