Academic Writing Self-Review Checklist

Read your draft once for meaning, once for structure and once for accuracy. Do not rely on this checklist alone: check your brief, your sources and your institution’s rules.

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Meaning and argument

I can state my main argument in one sentence.
Each paragraph makes one clear point and explains its evidence.
Claims are supported, and limitations are acknowledged.
The conclusion follows from the evidence, with no new claims.

Structure and clarity

The introduction, main sections and conclusion follow a logical order.
Sentences are clear, and long or tangled sentences have been rewritten.
Key terms are used consistently throughout.
Headings, tables and figures are clear and correctly labelled.

Accuracy and presentation

Every citation and reference has been checked.
Spelling, grammar and punctuation have been proofread.
Word count, formatting and submission requirements have been checked.

Category: Writing. Related service: Academic Proofreading and Editing.