Properties of a Well-Written Text Checklist

27 January 2019 Notes and Handouts

Clarity and Focus

  • Is the main idea of the text clearly conveyed?
  • Does the text present a clear writer’s point of view towards the topic or subject?
  • Does the text stay focused on the main idea?
  • Is the writer’s purpose in writing evident?
  • Are all ideas directing to the topic or subject?

Organization

  • Is there a concrete pattern of development (classification, enumeration, analysis, etc.) used?
  • Are sections (if there are) clearly presented?
  • Are the ideas logically connected to each other using cohesive devices (and, therefore, also, however, etc.)?
  • Can the reader follow the piece logically from beginning to end (use of signal words)?
  • Is it complete? Does it feel finished?

Ideas and Theme

  • Is the topic relevant to the target audience?
  • Can the intended audience visualize the topic or subject being discussed?
  • Does the text match with the background knowledge of the intended audience?
  • Does the text include vivid details, interesting examples, and illustrations?
  • Can the relationship among ideas and themes easily be grasped?

Voice

  • Is there an identifiable voice in the text?
  • Is it consistent all throughout the text?
  • Is it unique?
  • Does it grab the audience’s attention?
  • Does it establish a strong relationship between the text and the audience?

Language

  • Does the text use a language appropriate to the target audience?
  • Can the audience determine meanings of difficult or technical terms through context clues?
  • Does the text contain precise and accurate word choices or vocabulary?
  • Is the text free from redundancies, wordiness, highfalutin and sexist language?
  • Are there consistencies in the use of pronouns and nouns by number (singular or plural)?

Writing Conventions

  • Are all sentences complete?
  • Is the text free from fragments, run-on, and overly complex sentences?
  • Is the text free from contractions and exclamation points (unless part of a direct quotation)?
  • Does the piece demonstrate standard usage (subject-verb agreement, consistent verb tense, correct pronouns, etc.)?
  • Are punctuation marks, capitalization, spelling, and paragraphs used correctly in the piece?

Credibility and Reliability

  • Does the text appear academic, credible, and written by an expert in the subject matter?
  • Does it support or complement the common knowledge?
  • Are the claims supported by factual evidences and realistic observations?
  • Are there citations or references given to verify claims?
  • Are the source of the material and the writer found credible and satisfy initial assessment criteria?

Thought-Provoking Appeal

  • Is the overall content of the text appealing?
  • Does the text serve its implied or directed purpose?
  • Does it lead to an expected response or reaction from the audience?
  • Can most of the audience with their varied goals and needs be satisfied?
  • Does it provoke a thought or change the perception of the target audience?