1) An introduction needs to provide background, context, purpose, and lead up to or funnel into the thesis statement.
a. How could the opening statement be even more interesting?
b. Does the introduction give enough background and context that the thesis statement makes sense, assuming that the reader might not know a lot about this subject?
c. Is it OBVIOUS that the writer is moving from broad to narrow in the introduction?
2) Thesis statement.
a. Does the thesis take a position with respect to this issue, or it is more of a general statement about the topic? Can this thesis be disagreed with in a specific way? For example, “Although some people say “x”, I believe “y” for these reasons.” Make sure you address x as well as y in your paper.
b. Does the thesis answer the question HOW or WHY with respect to this issue?
c. HOW can the thesis statement be made stronger?
3) Body
a. Does each paragraph include a topic sentence near the beginning of the paragraph?
b. Reading only the words in the essay (i.e. the writer does not explain anything to you orally) is it obvious that each paragraph supports part of the thesis statement?
c. Look at each component of the thesis statement. Can you clearly find a paragraph that supports it?
d. Do you see evidence from outside sources that supports the position taken in the essay?
4) Conclusion
a. Does the conclusion bring the ideas in the paper together and make a final statement on the position without simply summarizing the information?
b. Does the conclusion introduce a new point or idea beyond the scope of the body? (It should not!)
c. Does the ending leave the reader with something further to think about beyond the specific details in the body?