Self-Editing Routine (4 minute End Check) - (Writing)

Why a 4 minute end check works

Small, targeted passes remove the errors that cost easy marks: missing task parts, unclear links, wrong articles, verb slips, and unit mistakes. You improve Task Response, Coherence, Lexical Resource, and Grammar in minutes.

Timer plan at a glance

• Minute 1: Task and structure
• Minute 2: Cohesion and paragraph logic
• Minute 3: Grammar and mechanics
• Minute 4: Vocabulary tidy and presentation

Use a finger or pen as a pointer. Read silently but quickly.

Minute 1 — Task and structure

Task Response sweep

• Underline your thesis. Does it answer the exact question
• For Task 2, tick both body topic sentences. One idea each
• For GT letters, tick all bullets and tone
• For Task 1, check overview present and no numbers inside it

Fast fixes

• Add a 7 to 12 word line that states or clarifies the thesis
• If a bullet is missing, add one short sentence addressing it

Minute 2 — Cohesion and paragraph logic

Flow sweep

• Paragraph order fits type: Opinion or Adv Disadv → Body 1 then Body 2; Problem then Solution; Discussion shows both sides
• Each body ends with a link back sentence

Referencing sweep

• Replace vague this with this result, this policy, this problem
• One clear linker per move: however, therefore, whereas, for example

Fast fixes

• Add one this + noun line after a long sentence
• Change repeated linkers: use however, in contrast, as a result

Minute 3 — Grammar and mechanics

Article and agreement

• a or an before singular count nouns
• subject verb match: data show, government plans

Tense control

• Task 1 finished period → past simple; process → present simple

Sentence quality

• One comma splice found Replace with a semicolon or split
• Limit very long chains. Two clauses are enough

Punctuation and format

• Commas in numbers: 1,200 not 1200 if style used
• Units visible: %, km, million, dollars

Fast fixes

• Swap weak be forms for verbs: is helpful → improves
• Remove extra that and which when not needed

Minute 4 — Vocabulary tidy and presentation

Precision

• Replace vague words: things → factors, a lot → many, very big → substantial
• Rotate trend verbs: rise, increase, climb; fall, decline, drop

Consistency

• Spelling style consistent: organisation or organization
• Currency and time formats consistent
• Paragraph spacing clean. No stray bullets or symbols

Final line

• Add a two clause conclusion or micro summary if missing

Speed checklists

Task 2

• Thesis clear and answers the question
• Two topic sentences with one idea each
• One example per body that proves the claim
• Conclusion restates stance, no new ideas

Task 1

• Overview first, no figures in overview
• Compare sentences use by vs to correctly
• Two to four selective numbers per body
• Units and years confirmed

GT Letter

• Greeting and sign off match tone
• All bullets covered with a time request
• Polite, specific closing

Error tags to mark and fix

• TR = task gap
• CO = cohesion missing
• REF = unclear reference
• GR = grammar slip
• ART = article error
• PREP = wrong preposition
• NUM = number or unit issue
• LEX = vague word

Write two tags in the margin, fix them, and stop.

Micro fixes that raise scores

• Add mechanism with by or through: improves access by reducing travel time
• Convert lists into comparisons: A rose to 40, whereas B fell to 25
• Shorten a long sentence with a full stop and a linker

Pocket template to copy

• Intro: paraphrase + thesis
• Body 1: point → why → example → link back
• Body 2: point → why → example → link back
• Conclusion: stance or verdict in one line
• Task 1: intro → overview → body 1 compare → body 2 compare

10 item final tick

1. Thesis answers the exact task
2. Each body has one clear idea
3. One example per body
4. Logical linkers used once per move
5. This + noun used, not bare this
6. Articles correct
7. Verbs agree and tenses consistent
8. By vs to used correctly with numbers
9. Spelling and style consistent
10. Clean finish with conclusion or summary

Final advice
Protect your score with discipline. In the last 4 minutes, fix the big levers first: task, cohesion, grammar, and clarity. Small, targeted edits consistently add marks without rewriting.