Editing checklist

Use this editing checklist on your final report to ensure that it has been written in a appropriate style and is as complete as possible.

(A printable version of the 'editing checklist')

Have I:

checked the report follows an appropriate structure?
ensured the headings and subheadings accurately reflect the content of each section?
ensured each paragraph contains a topic sentence?
used paragraphs that aid the flow and analysis of the report's findings?
structured the sections of the report logically
used language/expression in the report that is:

appropriate to the report's purpose?
clear and easily understood?
concise?
non-sexist, non-racist and inclusive?
suited to the needs of the reader?

made the report's purpose clear?
fulfilled the terms of reference?

written an introduction that:

explains the report's purpose?
defines the problem?
guides the reader into the centre section of the report?

written a body section that:

has headings and perhaps sub-headings?
presents factual and objective information?
analyses the findings?

written a conclusion that:

draws the ideas together/
summarises the content and findings?

prepared recommendations that:

offer solutions to any problems in the body?
relate to the terms of reference?
are concrete, specific and action oriented?
are acceptable to the reader and possible to implement?

included appendices that are:

relevant to the report?
clearly labelled?
necessary?

referenced appropriately in the text of the report?
included a complete reference list?

(This checklist has been adapted from Dwyer, J. (1991) The Business Communication Handbook (2nd Ed.). Sydney: Managing Business Communication)