Bazerman's Checklist of Techniques

This list is adapted from Bazerman, Charles. (2010). The Informed Writer: Using Sources in the Disciplines. The WAC Clearinghouse. Fort Collins, CO. 117–118.

Relationship Between the Writer and the Reader

• Does the writer ask or expect the reader to do anything?

• Does the writer address the reader as an expert speaking to other experts, or as an expert speaking to the general reader?
• Does the writer make sure that the reader follows the discussion?
• Does the writer engage the reader through humor, drama, or unusual examples?
• Is the writer hesitant or assertive?
• How much knowledge does the writer assume the reader has?

Overall Structure

• What holds the writing together as a whole?
• How does one paragraph, one chapter, or one part lead to the next?
• Does the text progress by chronological narration? by grouping related topic? through the steps of a logical argument? by comparison? association? repetition? by accumulation of detail? by analysis? by the breaking down of the subject into parts?

Content Choices

• What parts of the subject are discussed by the author in great detail? What parts are summarized? What statements does the writer assume as given (and therefore does not back up with extensive support)?
• What relevant topics are ignored?
• What topics could have been discussed but were not?

Expansion of Topics

• In what ways are individual topics developed? Are arguments given? Are anecdotes told?
• Is the reader asked to believe certain ideas or to take certain actions? Is the reader asked to imagine consequences?
• Does the expansion of statements prove the statements? help the reader understand? keep the reader interested or amused? obscure the issues? develop implications?

Choice of Evidence

• What types of information are used to support main statements: statistics, anecdotes, quotation, original observations, scientific theories, legal or philosophical principles, definitions, appeals to emotion, appeals to the imagination, appeals to common sense?

Use of References

• How extensively does the writer rely on other sources? (Are there frequent mentions of other books or articles?) Do you notice any indirect reference to the work of others?
• What methods are used to refer to other works: reference by title only, paraphrase, summary, or direct quotation?
• How complete is the documentation? the bibliography?
• What kinds of material does the writer cite: contemporary newspaper accounts, private diaries, government documents, specialized scholarly studies, theoretical works, best-selling nonfiction books, statistical reports, literary works?
• What purpose does the reference serve in the writing? Does the reference:
  • provide specific evidence?
  • quote directly a person being discussed?
  • provide an assertion by an authority?
  • present an example for analysis?
  • explain a point?
  • supply the background of a new idea?
  • distinguish between conflicting ideas?
  • place current work in the context of previous work?
  • present an idea to be argued against?

Level of Precision

• Is the subject simplified or presented in all its complexity?
• Are all important distinction brought out?
• Are many supporting details given or are only broad principles stated?
• Are potential difficulties in the argument discussed?

Sentence Structure

• Are the sentences short or long? simple or complex?
• Are the sentences declarative statement? Do they set up a complex condition (if… then…)?
• Do the sentences have qualifiers (even though…)?
• Do the sentences describe actions (Sandra runs; or Gear C transmits the power to drive wheel D.)? Do they describe physical qualities (Sandra has a pulse at rest of 63; or Gear B and gear C are in a reduction ratio of 12:1.)? Do they relate actual events to abstract idea (The disagreement of the leaders over the terms of the treaty marked the beginning of new tensions between the two countries.)? Do they discuss only abstractions (International organizations are formed in part to resolve disputes between countries without resorting to war.)?

Word Choice

Are the words short or long? common or unusual? general or technical? emotionally charged or emotionally detached?