Ten-Point Term Paper Inspection Checklist
ISTC's Ten-Point Term
Paper
Inspection Checklist!
Every term paper that we receive for editing and proofreading
goes through this ten-point inspection. Want to do it yourself? Go through the
list and see how many errors you can find in your own term paper.
Still need help with your term paper? Click here to
continue!
1. Spelling. One of the basics! Even with
computer spell-checkers, too many misspelled words still show up in term papers.
2. Word Choice. Are you using the right
words in the right way? Do you overuse contractions or slang expressions? Are
all the words necessary or can some be removed to make your meaning clearer?
3. Sentence Structure. Are the words in the
correct order in your sentences? Is your use of phrases and clauses
correct? Is the sentence meaning clear or is it muddied by wordiness,
repetition, too many ideas crammed into one sentence?
4 Grammar. This can refer to many things in
a term paper, but here we look for things like noun/verb tense agreement, correct
use of prepositions, articles, pronouns, etc.
5. Paragraph Structure. Do your paragraphs
have a structure? Are they cohesive? Do they focus on one main idea? Do
they have a clear beginning, middle, and end?
6. Punctuation and Capitalization. Another
basic element of good writing. Do you over-punctuate? Use the wrong type? Use
none at all? Do you know when and when not to capitalize words? Getting
this wrong can mean a bad grade for your term paper.
7. Organization. Is the overall organization
of the term paper coherent and logical? Does one section logically flow into the
next?
8. Theme. Is there a stated theme or main
idea that unites your entire term paper? When a reader finishes your paper, is your
conclusion clear and supported by what came earlier?
9. Format. Sometimes professors specify
unusual formats for term papers, but otherwise we check your term paper for standard formatting clarity and consistency.
10. Sources. Most term papers require you to
refer to other documents, books, articles, etc. Are they cited in your paper? In
the correct format?
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