Essay Checklist for Better Writing

To write strong essays, here's a helpful checklist for students to follow:
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• My topic is manageable
• Sentences are varied (complex, compound, simple)
• I do not have “around me” in my essay (e.g.: the world around me; the people around me)
• My sentences have different beginnings
• I have run the Google spelling and grammar check
• I don’t use: will be able to / am able to / was able to / allowed me to
  I was able to learn  VS  I learned
  Reading allowed me to learn VS I learned from reading. In the former sentence, "reading" has the power whereas in the latter, "I" has the power.
  **Make YOU the subject of the sentence!** 
• I avoid using the word "thing," and always use a better, stronger word
• I write in the active voice, not the passive voice
• I don't use pronouns that include the reader (you), as those read like you're making assumptions about others
• Spelling, punctuation, and capitalization is all correct; check those proper nouns!
• I embrace the comma!

            Quick rules for commas
            Extended rules for commas (esp. when using the word "but")

• My essay is not just 1 big paragraph; and my Personal Statement has at least 3 paragraphs (intro, body, conclusion). 
• I’ve shown off my strong and varied vocabulary instead of the typical overused blah words.
• I slowly, carefully, and thoroughly proofread my essay before submitting for review​
• I enjoyed reading my essay (hint: if you don't enjoy it, it's likely that others won't either).

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