French 232: Self-Editing Guide

To the writer: Carefully read and revise your writing assignment using the following questions and checklists.

Part A: Structure and Clarity

Reread your writing assignment with the following considerations in mind. Fill out the form as you go.

1. Option A only:  Identify the thesis or topic sentence. What is your main point or argument?

2. Option A only: Do you follow the structural model on the assignment sheet? (intro; explication; conclusion) * Do not simply retell the story*

3. Option B only: How have you decided to rewrite or change the story (plot, characters, point of view, end, etc.)? Why?

4. Option B only: Have you tried to imitate the author’s style? If so, how? If not, justify your reasons for changing it. 

5. Check to see that transitions from paragraph to paragraph are clear.

6. Does your title prepare the reader? Is it informative, interesting and to the point?

7. What do you perceive to be the strengths of this composition?

Part B: Proofreading

Proofread your paper using the following list. Check off the appropriate categories once you have made corrections.

**Spelling: accents, elisions, gender, number:                            ____________

(extra points will be taken off for this type of mistake)

Adjective placement and noun/adj. agreement:                              ____________

Verb tenses and moods: (Option B: pay attention)                        ____________

Verb conjugations:                                                                              ____________

Choice of article: definite, indefinite, partitive:                                ____________

Synonyms and variation of vocabulary:                                          ____________

Variation in sentence structure and complexity:                             ____________

Correct choice of vocabulary:                                                            ____________

Check in a good dictionary!              

Part C: Other Requirements

Final draft typed, double-spaced                                                      ____________

Include rough draft and checklist                                                     ____________

200-250 words                                                                                       ____________

Turn in this form with your rough draft and final draft on December 3.