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Writing Checklists
In 6+1 Traits of Writing, Culham (2005) mentioned that a strategy that should
be available to all students is a “self-scoring guide” or “writing checklist.” When
provided with a scoring guide that has the criteria on which they are being graded for
organization, students can go back and look at their work to see if they are meeting
the standards. If not, they know where they need to make edits and revisions to
ensure their work is cohesive and coherent and meets the grading criteria set forth
(Culham, 2005).
As an example, Figure 2 is based on the example graphic organizer in Figure 1.
The checklist allows students to read through their drafted essays and ensure they
have included each key aspect on which they are being graded. If they are missing
something within their work, the checklist gives them a focus point for their editing
efforts and reminds them of how their work is going to be scored. The teacher should
model with students how to use the checklist with the co-written practice essay and
provide clarity on what each criterion means.

Figure 2
Sample Writing Checklist

10 The Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin: International Journal for Professional Educators