C1 Don't use unneeded apostrophes.

C2 Capitalize correctly. 

C3 Place periods between sentences, not just commas (or worse, no punctuation at all). 

C4 Choose the correct end-punctuation (Should it be a period, a question mark, or an exclamation mark?)

C5Avoid unnecessary punctuation.
Xxa) !!!! and ???
Xxb) by:
Xxc) Avoid the slash /
Xxd) prefer the comma to fancier punctuation
Xxe) no comma btwn subj and verb
Xxf) no comma btwn verb & predicate noun or adj
Xxg) A list must have three items to need commas.

Moderate errors in conventions:

C6 Use apostrophes when needed.

C7 Use commas when needed. 
XX a) in pairs like parentheses 
XX b) compound sentence 
XX c) multiple adjectives or adverbs 
XX d) after an introduction 
XX e) a direct quote 
XX f) in a list 
XX g) end elements

C8 Use quotation marks correctly. 

C9   Use correct spelling.
XX c) Do not split compound words.
XX d) Use hyphens when needed.  

Minor errors in conventions:

C10 Write titles correctly.

C11 Periods and parentheses.

C12 If a sentence introduces a list, use a colon.

C13 Use semicolons in a list contains lists.

C14 Leave out the conjunction when linking a compound sentence with semicolon.

C15 A writer may need to use a long dash to join a long appositive to the end of a sentence.

C16 When using numbers,  know when to spell or use numerals.   

P1 Double space everything except a works cited.

P2 Use reasonable fonts.

P3 Use one-inch margins all around.

P4 Align text appropriately. 

M1 Choose a specific topic; stay focused on that topic.

M2 Use specific examples.

M3 Develop deeper detail. 

W1 Use strong, specific language.
XX (Avoid that got a lot of stuff writing.) 

W2 Know the elementary homophones.
XX (Don't confuse simple words like too, to, and two.) 

W3 Match the subject and verb.

W4 Use the right word.

W5 Use the correct verb tense. 

XXXX Minor word choice errors:

W6 Use variety in word choice. 

W7  When describing a wish or an imaginary situation, use "were" instead of "was".   (subjunctive) 

W8 A pronoun before an ING verb should be possessive. 

W9 Use the correct pronoun at the end of a sentence. 
XX a) predicate pronoun
XX b) in comparisons
XX c) object of a preposition
XX d) accusative

S1 Sentences should make sense.  Write each sentence with a structure that is easy to understand. 

S2 Don't clutter up a sentence with unnecessary words and phrases.  Express the main idea clearly and simply. 

S3 A sentence should contain a
XX complete thought. 

S4 Limit the length of the sentence. 
XX (Use a period once in a while!)

S5 Write sentences that are consistent.
XX a) parallelism 
XX b) plural-singular 
XX c) verb tense 

XXX Minor sentence-building errors:

S6 Use variety in sentence length and structure.

S7  Do not split a sentence. 
XX (Don't use a period when a comma is needed.)

S8 Don't begin sentences with
XX conjunctions such as and, but, or,
XX or so.   These should  be used to
XX connect things within the sentence. 

S9 Avoid placing words between "to" and the verb that follows.

V1 Write in the third person, except in fiction or autobiography.  (Avoid words like you and I.) 

V2 Write in a consistent voice.

V3 Place the person or thing doing the action toward the front of the sentence
XX (Use the active voice, not the passive voice).


V4 Use Standard English in an essay.  (Dialect and slang are for fiction; shorthand English is for texting or a sticky-note.) 

O1 Organize material into paragraphs. 

O2 Organize with a three-part structure: Begin with an introduction; develop with a body; end with a conclusion.

O3 Use transitions. Don't jump from one topic to another. 

O4 Information that is not appropriate should be moved or deleted. 

O5 Find a strong opening line.

O6 Don't cut a good paragraph in two.