Checklists*
for
Types of Writing
| - uses
adjectives to describe the subject |
|
| - may
use a variety of verbs (action,
feeling, thinking) to describe the subject |
|
| - may
use a variety figurative language: personification, simile, metaphor, alliteration |
|
| -
focuses on the characteristic features of the subject |
|
| - is
organized into paragraphs |
|
| - ends
with a summary or impression of the subject |
|
| - handwriting is neat, consistent and
legible |
| -
presents different points of view on an issue |
|
| -
begins with a statement which states the issue |
|
| -
contains the arguments for and against the issue |
|
| - is
organized into paragraphs |
|
| - is
written in the present tense |
|
| - contains words that link arguments together: firstly, however, therefore | |
| - ends
with a summary in the form of a recommendation |
|
| - handwriting is neat, consistent and legible |
| -
argues from one point of view |
|
| -
begins with a statement of the issue and an overview of the argument |
|
| -
contains arguments organized in paragraphs |
|
| -
contains reasons and examples to support arguments |
|
| -
contains persuasive words (essential, critical) |
|
| -
contains words that link arguments together: firstly, however, therefore |
|
| -
restates position and sums up the arguments |
|
| - handwriting is neat, consistent and legible |
| -
retells past events |
|
| -
provides background information (who, what, where, when) |
|
| - retold in order | |
| -
organized in paragraphs |
|
| -
written in past tense |
|
| -
descriptive and factual |
|
| - links
events together using time words (afterwards, later) |
|
| - may
have a personal comment |
|
| - handwriting is neat, consistent and legible |
| - tells
a story |
|
| - has a
setting, limited characters |
|
| - has a
complication or problem |
|
| - has a
climax near the end |
|
| - has a
resolution or solution to the problem |
|
| -
contains descriptive words (adjectives
and adverbs) |
|
| -
contains time words: in the morning, later that day |
|
| -
contains action verbs |
|
| -
contains mental process verbs: thinking, feeling |
|
| -
contains direct and indirect speech |
|
| - is
fictional |
|
| - handwriting is neat, consistent and legible |
| - is
written to give my impressions (of the art, reading etc.) |
|
| -
begins with providing the general context for the work (e.g. author,
creator) |
|
| - has a
description of the important aspects of the work |
|
| - is
organized into paragraphs |
|
| - is written in the present tense (usually) | |
| -
contains descriptions and specific vocabulary |
|
| - has a
judgement containing my personal response and recommendations |
|
| - handwriting is neat, consistent and legible |
| Meaning |
|
| - topic or purpose of the writing is clear | |
| - ideas
or information is related the purpose |
|
| - information is correct |
|
| -
examples or reasons are provided to help develop ideas |
|
| - the writing is intended to be interesting
to the reader |
|
| Style |
|
| - the
ideas are clear |
|
| - uses a variety of sentences | |
| - uses
language to provide an impact or emphasis (feeling verbs, action verbs) |
|
| Form |
|
| - introductory paragraph states the purpose | |
| - ideas are easy to follow and flow |
|
| -
paragraphs contain a single topic |
|
| - paragraphs contain a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and concluding sentence | |
| - has a
conclusion that summarizes the ideas |
|
| - titles, headings, and illustrations are
directly related to the topic |
|
| Conventions |
|
| - sentence structure is correct | |
| - spelling is correct | |
| - punctuation is correct | |
| - grammar is correct | |
| - handwriting is neat, consistent and legible |
| - gives
instruction |
|
| - has a
goal (which may be in the title) |
|
| - may
have equipment needed listed |
|
| - has
steps which are usually written on separate lines and numbered |
|
| - has
most steps beginning with action verbs (commands) |
|
| - is
written in present tense |
|
| - may
include a diagram |
|
| - handwriting is neat, consistent and legible |
| Meaning |
|
| -
begins with a clear inquiry (question or focus) |
|
| - the
information is correct and in own words |
|
| -
details or reasons help explain the main idea |
|
| - words
are chosen to make the writing interesting to read |
|
| Style |
|
| - uses
clear language |
|
| - uses
a variety of sentence types |
|
| Form |
|
| - the
introduction introduces the topic |
|
| - the
information is grouped around one focus |
|
| - the
information is well organized |
|
| -
titles, headings, diagrams help provide meaning
|
|
| - the
ending sums up the ideas, generalized to other situations or context |
|
| - contains technical or specialized words | |
| Conventions |
|
| - is
written in present tense |
|
| -
spelling, grammar, punctuation are correct |
|
| -
sentences are complete |
|
| - handwriting is neat, consistent and legible |