REVISION CHECKLIST: REPORTS
Look critically at your draft, get response—and revise
Try rereading your draft several times from different perspectives and imagining
how different readers will experience your text. Will readers new to the topic
follow what you are saying? Will those who know about the topic think that you
• How does the report open? Will it capture your audience’s interest? How else
might it begin?
• Is it clear why the topic matters—why you care about it and why others should?
• How do you establish your authority on the topic? Does the information
presented seem trustworthy? Are the sources for your information credible, and
have you provided any necessary documentation?
• Is the report easy to follow? If not, try adding transitions or headings. If it’s an
oral report, you might put your main points on slides.
• Is the style appropriate for your audience and purpose? Consider choice of
words, level of formality, and so on.
• How effective is your conclusion? How else might you end?