_____ I have used my own words except for quotations.

_____ My paper is about the topic assigned to me. I have carefully re-read the assignment.

_____ My paper has a title that reflects the assignment and is centered above the first paragraph.

_____ I have given a brief historical background to my topic.

_____ My paper has a thesis statement that states the main point of the essay and briefly introduces my main points.

_____ (For essays) My essay has an introduction, at least three paragraphs in the body, and a conclusion that summarizes my main points and restates the thesis.

_____ Each of my main points (usually each a paragraph) is introduced with a topic sentence and supported by facts and examples.

_____ I have used the correct capitalization and punctuation.

_____ I have used transitional devices (words or phrases linking sentences, paragraphs and ideas). See the attached list.

_____ My verbs are all in the correct tense. A past tense verb describes each event in the past. Singulars and plurals agree (e.g., "Europeans were", "history is", etc.)

_____ Most shorter sentences are combined using coordinating and subordinating conjunctions.

Coordinating: for, and, nor, but, so, yet, so
Subordinating: (examples) because, since, in order that, even though, although, whereas, while, if, unless, etc.

_____ My paper is typed and spell checked and each paragraph is indented.

_____ My first and last name, the course name, Professor Jopp's name, and the date are on the top of the paper.

_____ I have carefully proofread my paragraph or essay.