Expository Writing Checklist

An expository writing checklist is a list of steps to help you clearly explain and describe a topic.

  • Introduction
  • Has a clear main idea or thesis
  • Captures the reader’s interest
  • Provides necessary background info
  • Previews the structure
  • Body Paragraphs
  • Each paragraph has a clear topic sentence
  • Uses relevant supporting details or examples
  • Explains how the evidence supports the topic
  • Maintains a clear, logical flow
  • Uses transitions between paragraphs
  • Evidence and Analysis
  • Incorporates facts, statistics, examples effectively
  • Cites sources correctly
  • Analyzes evidence, not just presents it
  • Relates evidence back to the main thesis
  • Clarity and Style
  • Uses precise and concise language
  • Avoids jargon and overly complex sentences
  • Maintains a formal tone
  • Varies sentence structure to maintain interest
  • Conclusion
  • Restates the main idea or thesis
  • Summarizes key points
  • Leaves the reader with a final thought
  • Avoids introducing new information
  • Editing and Revising
  • Checks for grammatical errors
  • Ensures proper punctuation
  • Verifies correct spelling
  • Eliminates redundancy and filler