Sentence Level:
* Sentence Structure:
* Fragments: Incomplete sentences lacking a subject or verb.
* Run-on Sentences: Two or more complete sentences joined incorrectly, often without punctuation.
* Comma Splices: Two independent clauses joined only by a comma (incorrect).
* Clarity:
* Vague language: Words like "stuff" or "things" instead of specific terms.
* Unclear pronoun references: It's unclear who or what a pronoun refers to.
* Wordiness: Using more words than necessary.
* Misplaced or dangling modifiers: Phrases that modify the wrong part of the sentence.
* Consistency:
* Tense shifts: Switching between past, present, and future tenses unnecessarily.
* Subject-verb agreement: The verb must agree with the subject in number (singular/plural).
* Style:
* Awkward phrasing: Sentences that are difficult to read or understand.
* Clichés and jargon: Overused phrases or technical terms that are unnecessary.
* Mechanics:
* Punctuation errors: Incorrect use of commas, periods, semicolons, etc.
* Spelling errors: Misspelled words.
* Capitalization errors: Incorrect capitalization of words at the beginning of sentences or proper nouns.
Paragraph Level:
* Unity: All sentences should relate to the main idea of the paragraph.
* Coherence: Sentences should flow logically and smoothly.
* Development: The paragraph should provide enough support and evidence for the main idea.
* Transitions: Words or phrases should connect sentences and paragraphs.
* Emphasis: The most important information should be highlighted.
Examples of Problems to Correct:
* Sentence Fragment: "Running to the store." (Should be "He was running to the store.")
* Run-on Sentence: "The dog barked loudly, the cat hissed back." (Should be "The dog barked loudly; the cat hissed back.")
* Vague Language: "She was sad about the bad stuff." (Should be "She was sad about the recent layoffs.")
* Misplaced Modifier: "I saw a dog walking down the street with a red collar." (Should be "I saw a dog with a red collar walking down the street.")
* Lack of Unity: A paragraph about the history of the internet suddenly mentions the benefits of social media.
* Lack of Coherence: Sentences jump around in time or topic without logical connections.
Remember: Local revision is an ongoing process. You'll likely need to revise several times to get your writing to a polished state.