General Revisions & Proofreading Recommendations

GENERAL REVISING TECHNIQUES

Is your research question clearly stated? Is there enough lead-in in the

introduction to establish the importance of and context for the statement/question?▪ Too much or too little?

Do you have a thesis statement that answers the question – and is arguable?

Is it clear to the audience what material you will follow?

Are there transitions between all sections and paragraphs to create flow?

Does each body paragraph have a topic sentence?▪ Does the topic sentence connect back to the

thesis/question?▪ Establish a link with the previous paragraph’s content?▪ Give enough information so the reader could guess

where a particular paragraph’s development would lead?

Near the end of each paragraph, do you remind readers why you are saying what you are saying by moving back up to abstract, general terms?▪ This is with or without a formal concluding

sentence.

Does the order of paragraphs make sense? confuse

Are your examples reliable, representative, and convincing?

Are you sources convincing?▪ Is there a balance between your own insights and an

expert’s opinions?

Are all sources and direct quotations explained or left standing on their own?

Has anything that goes off topic/is not essential been cut?

Does the conclusion say something different from your introduction?

Does it leave a good lasting impression, or is it wishy-washy?

EXTENDED ESSAY CRITERIA

How to make sure your essay meets the IB criteria:

A: Research Question-In Intro and Abstract-Make sure it is focused and specific

B: Introduction-Research Question -Thesis-Context-Significance

C: Investigation-Systematic Investigation-Appropriate Sources (be wary of online sources)

D: Knowledge and Understanding of the Topic-”Academic Context”

E: Reasoned Argument-Ideas presented clearly-In a logical and coherent manner

F: Analytical and Evaluative Skills-Analysis of subject, points, and sources-Psychology, Politics, History – annotated bibliography

D,E, and F:

-All demonstrate the depth of your analysis and understanding

-Explanations should show, not tell

-Be explicit in your points, don’t imply

G: Use of Language-Clear-Precise-Subject specific

Use the jargon and terminology of your subject

H: Conclusion-Clearly stated and labeled-Consistent with question, evidence, and argument-Addresses unresolved questions-Does NOT restate introduction

I: Formal Presentation-All the things from last seminar: title page, page numbers, table of contents, citations, format, etc.

J: Abstract -States clearly: 1) Research Question, 2) How the investigation was undertaken, 3) Conclusion and thesis

K: Holistic Judgment-Initiative-Insight

PROOFREADING

BEFORE you proof read:▪ Be sure you’ve revised the larger aspects of your

text.

▪ Set your text aside for a while (15 minutes, a day, a week) between writing and proofing.

▪ Eliminate unnecessary words before looking for mistakes.

▪ Know what to look for.

WHEN you proof read:▪ Work from a printout, not the computer screen.▪ Read out loud.▪ Use a blank sheet of paper to cover up the lines

below the one you’re reading.▪ Use the search function of the computer to find

mistakes you’re likely to make. If you tend to make many mistakes,

check separately for each kind of error.▪ Move from most to least important, and follow

whatever technique works best for you.