Expository Writing Checklist—High School

Consistent

Present but Inconsistent

Missing

Comments

Content:

Writing has purpose and theme, not just a topic.

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Topic is appropriately narrow.

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Information is supported by credible sources from various points of view.

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Personal knowledge and experiences are synthesized with outside sources.

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Writing contains fresh, new insights.

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Readers’ questions are anticipated and addressed.

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Organization:

A powerful title engages readers and provides a clue to the purpose of the paper.

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Writing is built around an important, interesting theme.

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Introduction engages interest about the theme and topic.

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Transitions connect ideas that build on each other naturally.

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Writing flows at an appropriate pace.

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Conclusion leaves readers with an important message or idea to think about.

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Paragraphing enhances meaning.

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Voice:

Writing connects with readers by showing what is interesting and important about the topic.

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Writing provides compelling reasons why the information is important.

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Writing reflects the author’s commitment to the topic.

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Writing includes meaningful, relevant personal details.

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Language:

Language is precise and accurate.

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Words are powerful and vivid.

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Technical terms are defined, if necessary.

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Sentence Fluency:

Sentences are varied in length and structure.

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Sentence beginnings are varied.

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Writing has rhythm.

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Conventions:

Sentence fragments are used appropriately.

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Spelling is correct.

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Punctuation is correct.

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Capitalization is correct.

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Standard English is used throughout the writing.

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Conventions are appropriately manipulated to enhance meaning.

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