If possible, let the essay sit for a day or two. Read the essay at least three times. Look at the following specific elements during each reading.

Structure

• Be certain your topic is adequately restricted. Do not leave important aspects uncovered; do a thorough job.
• Ask yourself if your paper adds anything new to the discussion on this topic. Have you merely restated what most people already know?
• Be sure you have enough knowledge of this topic to discuss it intelligently. If not, read more to strengthen your grasp of details.
• Consider your audience's needs and knowledge.
• Be sure you have matched the topic with the best rhetorical form. Have you used your chosen structure effectively?
• Is your discussion clearly organized?

Development

• Read the first and last paragraphs only. Is there logical continuity? Have you been repetitive?
• Have you consciously used a certain strategy to introduce and conclude your essay? Have these two sections just come together haphazardly?
• Have you chosen the best technique for your introduction?
• Pay special attention to the body paragraphs. Be sure they are fully developed and offer the reader adequate detail. Most unsatisfactory essays fail because of this one short-coming.
• Make sure your body paragraphs are unified and contain no irrelevancies.
• Check your use of transitional devices both within and between paragraphs.

Expression

• Read the paper backwards, one sentence at a time. This technique will keep your eye from running over material that seems familiar.
• Read for particular errors; keep a personal checklist of errors to watch for. Make several passes, looking only for certain problems.
• Be sure you have employed the right mix of tone, variety, and diction so you will neither bore nor distract your audience.
• If possible, read the paper aloud either to yourself or to someone else. The ear sometimes finds errors in syntax better than the eye.