writing essays checklist

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Writing: APA Basics Checklist

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Use this checklist to help you remember the basics of APA citations, reference lists, and style and ensure your writing follows these guidelines.

• Open this checklist page in your browser or download a PDF version that you can print.
• Open a draft of a paper that you are working on.
• Review your draft for the issues in this checklist, making any necessary edits to format your paper according to APA style guidelines.

To avoid feeling overwhelmed or making minor editing mistakes, consider reading through your paper while focusing on only one guideline at a time, making another pass through your text for each one.

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• Reference List
• Citations follow APA guidelines as articulated in section 8.1 of the APA manual (7th edition).
• Sources used and cited in the paper are included in the reference list.
• The abbreviation “ et al. ” is punctuated appropriately.
• Author(s) and publication year are always included.
• A page or paragraph number is included for all quoted material, using the appropriate abbreviation: (p. xx) or (para. xx).
• The citation is included within the ending punctuation for the sentence.
• Authors of cited studies are included within the sentence.
• The publication year is included in parentheses immediately after the authors’ names.

Note: This rule only applies only to a single paragraph—in a new paragraph, the year is needed again in the first citation.

• The title of the reference list is centered and bolded.
• Each entry has an automatically formatted  hanging indent .
• Each entry has the basic information (as available): author(s), publication year, title, and retrieval information.
• Punctuation: periods and commas
• Formatting: italics is used only when needed
• Parentheses and brackets: used only when needed
• Appropriate  electronic information  is included
• Past tense  is used whenever literature or sources are talked about (i.e., Smith discussed).
• Serial commas  are used for all lists of three or more items (i.e., lions, tigers, and bears).
• used to join words that work together to modify another word (i.e., evidenced-based practice);
• used to join “self” compounds (i.e., self-esteem); and
• not used with prefixes such as "non," "semi," "pre," "post", "anti," "multi," and "inter."
• Block quotations (of 40 or more words) are formatted as such.
• Headings  follow proper APA style (i.e., Level 1 headings are centered and bolded).
• 10 and above are expressed using numerals,
• nine and below are expressed using words.
• expressing specific numbers and time use numerals, and
• expressing approximate time use words.
• Complex lists of items within a sentence or paragraph can use letters to separate the items.
• Bulleted and numbered lists  are used for specific reasons.
• The  third person editorial "we"  is avoided (including "us," "our," and "you").
• Capitalization rules  are followed (i.e., names of models and theories are not capitalized).
• Course paper template  is used.
• Title page follows the template guidelines.
• Double spacing  is used throughout the paper (including the reference list).
• Use one space after periods or other punctuation marks that end a sentence.
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The Ultimate Essay Checklist

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Getting Started

Essay writing: it might not be your favorite thing in the world, but the essay editing experts at Scribendi are here to change that by making it a little less scary and a lot more fun! (Okay—perhaps "fun" is a bit strong. How about "bearable"?)

While there are four main types of essays—expository, persuasive, analytical, and argumentative—the basic structure of any essay is the same:

• An introductory paragraph
• At least three body paragraphs
• A concluding paragraph
• A bibliography

Generally, the higher your level of education, the more complex your essay structure will be. While high school students typically stick with the five-paragraph essay, university and graduate students are expected to discuss topics that require more than five paragraphs to flesh out. Whatever type of essay you're writing, following this basic format will help you accomplish your intended goal.

This ultimate essay checklist will provide you with everything you need to unleash your knowledge and express your creativity while following standard essay-writing conventions. This essay checklist will show you how to write a stellar essay of any style, and it will give you the confidence to explore and write about any topic.

General Tips

• Get an early start. It's much easier to come up with and organize your ideas when you're not pressed for time and are able to conduct proper research. The earlier you start, the easier it will be . . . so don't procrastinate!
• Choose a topic. Your instructor will likely give you a handful of topics to choose from or a general topic area. Depending on the instructions you're given, you will have to select and refine the topic. You can choose something you're already interested in or something you know nothing about—either way, you'll be doing your research and learning along the way.
• Use various sources of information. With the vast amount of information available today, you're far from limited when it comes to choosing your sources. Use books, websites, journal articles, research studies, interviews—the world is your oyster! Just remember to keep track of your sources so that you can cite them properly and add them to your bibliography. Also check what kinds of sources your professor wants: primary, secondary, or both?

• Do not plagiarize. Cite your work and give credit where it's due. Do not take credit for others' thoughts or ideas, and make yourself aware of the basic rules for avoiding plagiarism .
• Create an outline. Make a rough outline of the sections and points of your essay. Writing your ideas down will help you organize your thoughts and see what you need to add, change, or rearrange.
• Provide evidence. Use evidence from your research to support your ideas. Each body paragraph will contain an original idea, but you will need to back it up with evidence to make it credible.
• Don't use "I" statements or make sweeping generalizations. Stay objective, and be specific.
• Grab your audience's attention. Come up with an attention-grabbing title and introduction that will make your reader want more.
• Use logic. Within each paragraph and throughout your essay, keep your ideas coherent and linear.
• Use an essay style that complements your content (and is in accordance with your professor's guidelines). There are four main types of essays:
• Expository : The writer explains an idea or issue to the reader.
• Persuasive : The writer tries to convince the reader to take his or her position on an idea, issue, or topic.
• Analytical : The writer examines and analyzes an idea, issue, or topic.
• Argumentative : The writer tries to prove that his or her position is correct.
• Answer what , why , and how . Regardless of the type of essay you write, it should answer each of these questions.
• Don't feel obliged to write your first draft in order, from introduction to bibliography. It can be difficult to write a completely linear essay when you have lots of different ideas, so start by writing whatever you're ready to write—you can put all the pieces together later. This will make the process easier and less stressful.

Introduction

The introductory paragraph broadly introduces your topic by giving your reader an overview of what your essay will be about and the points that will be discussed. It often starts with a general statement that acts as the topic sentence for the paragraph, and it provides a general discussion that leads to a specific thesis statement at the end of the paragraph.

• Do not explicitly explain your intentions. For example, do not say, "The purpose of this essay is to . . ." Instead, allow the topic sentence to help your reader identify and determine your purpose. By the time readers get to the end, they will have a comprehensive understanding of your essay and its intent.
• Choose a thesis statement that the body of your essay will be able to support. This thesis will be the "hook" of your essay, and it is often one of the last sentences in the introductory paragraph. A hook is a line that grabs the reader's attention—it "hooks" them, just like a fishing hook grabs a fish. The goal of the hook is to keep your reader interested and to clearly indicate the purpose of the essay.

The body of the essay develops the argument that was outlined in the introduction.

• Use topic sentences. The topic sentence of each paragraph provides a brief summary of what the paragraph is about.

• Set up the transition to your next point. The concluding sentence of each paragraph should function as a hook and transition into the next paragraph.
• Discuss and support a different idea in each paragraph. Limit each paragraph to one main idea. The topic sentence of each paragraph will help you organize your own thoughts and let the reader know what that paragraph is about. If you're writing a five-paragraph essay, follow this general outline:
• The first paragraph contains the strongest argument and ties into the hook at the end of the introductory paragraph. Discuss your first point, elaborate on it, and provide evidence in support of it. Close with a transitional hook.
• The second paragraph contains a more neutral argument, and it ties into the hook at the end of the first paragraph. Discuss your second point, elaborate on it, and provide evidence to support it. Close with a transitional hook.
• The third paragraph contains another strong argument and ties into the hook at the end of the second paragraph. Discuss your third point, elaborate on it, and provide evidence to support it. Close with a transitional sentence that leads smoothly into the concluding paragraph.

In contrast to the introductory paragraph, the concluding paragraph starts out specific (by reintroducing the thesis) and becomes more general. It ties your ideas together and brings your paper to a culmination.

The concluding paragraph provides a general discussion of your findings and shows the reader that you have accomplished what you intended to at the outset.

• Restate your thesis (though not necessarily using the exact same words). In contrast to the introductory paragraph, the concluding paragraph starts out specific (by reintroducing the thesis) and becomes more general. It ties your ideas together and brings your paper to a close.
• Discuss your findings based on your research and evidence. Has your thesis been proven?
• Don't introduce any new ideas. The point here is to sum up and wrap up your essay, not to confuse readers by providing new information.
• End on a high note. You can finish the essay in a variety of ways. For example, you might provide suggestions for future research, state a call to action, share a quote, or ask a question. Depending on the topic and purpose of your essay, choose a closing line that will fit well with the rest of your essay's structure and leave readers thinking " Wow! "

Bibliography/Works Cited

The Bibliography or Works Cited page is a list of all the references you used throughout the paper. It can be alphabetized or numbered depending on the style guide you are using. While a Bibliography includes every resource you consulted when preparing your essay, a Works Cited page includes only the resources cited in your essay. Find out which is required by consulting the style guide assigned by your professor.

• To make creating your reference list easier, use citation software . There are many different options out there, and several of the software programs are free (especially if you're enrolled in a university that has a subscription to one of the services). These citation software programs essentially create your bibliography for you, making the process fast, easy, and accurate.

Review, Revise, Rework

• Give yourself a day or two before rereading and revising your essay. This way, you will have a fresh set of eyes, making it easier to catch any mistakes.
• Don't be afraid to rearrange paragraphs, delete sentences, or add information. Reading through your essay a few days after writing it makes it much easier to see where and how the structure needs to be changed.
• Correct any errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Check the essay yourself, have a friend review it, or better yet, have your essay edited by a professional editing service .
• Avoid colloquialisms and contractions. ('Cause it just ain't professional in an academic setting. Lol.)
• Analyze the flow of your essay , and make sure that your ideas and paragraphs flow smoothly from one to the next.
• Cut out any extraneous information or fluff. We've all done it, but adding extra words to make a word count requirement doesn't fly with most professors, and it will definitely detract from the strength of your essay.

Now, it's Time to Write!

It may seem overwhelming, but writing an essay doesn't have to be stressful. After coming up with a topic, doing some research, and creating a basic outline, you're ready to start filling in the gaps. Using primary and/or secondary research, back up your ideas and support them with credible sources. Just don't forget to cite those sources! Once you've written your first draft, take a day or two away from your paper so you will have a clear head when you come back to revise it. As suggested, you may even want to have your paper edited by the professionals at Scribendi , who will not only correct any surface-level errors but will also check for consistency, clarity, and cohesiveness, providing comments and suggestions along the way.

Essay writing is so much easier if you're equipped with the right tools, and that's what we hope we've given you with this ultimate essay checklist. Now that you know how to write an essay (regardless of the style), we're confident in your ability to write an essay about any topic that your instructor might have in store for you. Happy writing!

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Knowledge Base

How to Write an Essay

Essay Checklist

The Perfect Essay Checklist - Your Secret to Success

13 min read

Published on: May 6, 2023

Last updated on: May 10, 2023

In This Guide

• How To Write An Essay
• Types Of Essays

Essay Topics

Essay Structure

Essay Outline

• Length of an Essay

Essay Introduction

Thesis Statement

Thesis Statement Example

• Body Paragraph
• Essay Conclusion
• Revise an Essay

Essay Examples

Share this article

Are you tired of submitting essays filled with errors? Do you wish you could improve your grades and impress your professor?

If yes, then you've come to the right place!

In this blog post, we will discuss the detailed essay checklist. We will also discuss the importance of using an essay checklist while writing an essay and how it can help you ace your next essay. We will guide you through the process of using an essay checklist and help you submit an essay that is error-free, well-structured, and impressive.

So, if you want to improve your grades and impress your professor, keep reading!

An essay checklist is a step-by-step guide that helps you revise your essay and ensure your essay meets all the requirements. It includes various elements such as grammar, punctuation, structure, and content that need to be checked before submitting the essay.

Without further delay let’s take a look at the detailed essay question checklist!

If you want to visually understand the checklist, watch this 'Why Us' essay checklist video

Importance of Using an Essay Checklist

Using an essay checklist is an essential step in the academic essay-writing process that should not be overlooked. A well-crafted essay checklist ensures that your essay is well-structured, well-supported, and error-free.

Here are some reasons why using an essay checklist is important:

• Helps to stay organized and focused on writing
• Helps to identify and correct errors in the essay
• Helps to ensure that the essay meets all necessary requirements and guidelines
• Saves time and effort in the long run
• Improves the overall quality of the essay
• Increases the likelihood of receiving a high grade or positive feedback.

Best Practices for Using an Essay Checklist

Here are some tips for using an essay checklist effectively:

• Prioritize your checklist: Start by checking the most crucial elements of your essay such as the thesis statement, introduction, and conclusion. Check less important items like grammar and spelling in the end.
• Take a break: Once you have completed your essay, take a break before you start checking it. This will help you approach it with fresh eyes and improve your ability to spot errors.
• Use a timer: Set a timer for a specific amount of time to review each section of your essay. This will help you stay on track and ensure that you don't spend too much time on one section.
• Read your essay out loud: Reading out loud can help you identify grammatical errors that you might miss when reading silently.
• Get a second opinion: Ask a friend or family member to read your essay and provide feedback. Getting feedback can help you identify errors you might have missed and get a fresh perspective on your writing. Also, consider using an AI essay writer with citations to get more authentic references for improvement. Combining both human and AI feedback can make your writing better and more polished.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your essay checklist and ensure that your writing is concise and effective.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using an Essay Checklist

If you want to get the most out of your essay checklist, it's important to be mindful of some common pitfalls :

• Not following the instructions: Make sure you read and understand the instructions provided before beginning writing.
• Rushing through the checklist: Take your time when reviewing your essay and ensure that you have addressed all the necessary elements.
• Focusing only on grammar and spelling: Don't forget to check the content and structure of your essay besides grammar mistakes.
• Ignoring feedback: If your professor has provided feedback on your essay, make sure to address it before submitting your final draft.
• Submitting your essay without reviewing it: Always review your essay before submitting it. This can help you catch errors and ensure that your essay meets all the necessary requirements.

To sum it up, using an essay checklist can greatly improve the quality of your writing and help you achieve better grades. For an added advantage, try our essay grader tool, which offers detailed feedback on various aspects of your essay.

By following the best practices and avoiding common mistakes highlighted by the tool, you can ensure that your essay is well-written and polished to perfection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many sentences should be in a body paragraph.

A body paragraph can vary in length. But it is generally recommended to have at least three to five sentences per paragraph.

However, the number of sentences may vary depending on the type of essay and the complexity of the ideas being presented.

How do I know if my body paragraph is well-written?

A well-written body paragraph should have a clear and concise main idea. It should have specific evidence and smooth transitions between ideas.

It should also be easy to understand and follow for the reader.

Can I use personal opinions in a body paragraph?

Personal opinions can be used in a body paragraph. But they should be supported by evidence and presented in a way that is respectful and objective.

It is important to avoid using biased or offensive language and to present alternative viewpoints in a fair and balanced way.

Cathy A. (Mass Communication, Education)

Cathy is a highly dedicated author who has been writing for the platform for over five years. With a Master's degree in Mass Communication, she is well-versed in various forms of writing such as articles, press releases, blog posts, and whitepapers. As an essay writing guide author at PerfectEssayWriter.ai, she has been helping students and professionals improve their writing skills by offering practical tips on research, citation, sentence structure, and style.

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How to Revise an Essay

Types of essays

How Long is an Essay