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Editing your writing

Use this checklist to polish, proofread, and perfect your assignment before submitting.

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female writing paper

Make sure your writing is ready to submit

Editing is a vital part of the assignment writing process. It’s your chance to catch errors, clarify your arguments, and make sure your work meets academic standards.

A strong final edit includes proofreading for grammar and spelling, checking your structure and referencing, and ensuring your assignment looks professional.

Editing checklist

Use this checklist to guide your review and give yourself the best chance at achieving a great mark.

  • Have I answered the question fully?

    • Have I clearly stated my main argument or position in the introduction?

    • Does my introduction prepare the reader for what’s to come?

    • Do my ideas progress logically and stay focused on the topic?

    • Are all major points directly related to the question or task?

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    Is my essay clearly structured?

    • Does it include a clear introduction, body, and conclusion?

    • Do my ideas advance in logical stages?

    • Are relationships between major points clearly expressed?

  • Are my paragraphs connected and coherent?

    • Does each paragraph begin with a clear topic sentence?

    • Do sentences flow smoothly and logically within and between paragraphs?

    • Are transitions varied and do they help guide the reader?

    • Have I provided enough examples or explanations to support my points?

    • Have I avoided unnecessary repetition or unrelated content?

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    Is my language clear and appropriate?

    • Have I used clear, direct, and concise language?

    • Have I explained my ideas explicitly, without assuming prior knowledge?

    • Are all my sentences grammatically correct and complete?

    • Is my use of tense consistent throughout the assignment?

    • Have I avoided biased or discriminatory language?

  • Have I fully referenced my sources?

    • Have I credited all ideas, quotes, and information?

    • Is my referencing style consistent?

    • Are quotes properly introduced and used effectively?

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    Am I within the set word limit?

    • If under: Have I fully answered the question and included enough evidence?

    • If over: Have I removed repetition and unnecessary details?

  • Have I proofread and revised my assignment?

    • Have I manually checked spelling and grammar?

    • Is bibliographic information accurate?

    • Is punctuation correct and consistent?

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    Is my assignment well presented?

    • Have I followed presentation guidelines?

    • Is my work legible, spaced correctly, and page numbered?

    • Have I saved a backup copy?

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