Essay

Author: Editor:

1. Introduction

a. Carefully read the paper all the way through.

b. How many sentences of plot summary does the author have? (should not be more than 2)

c. Having read the paper now go back through with pen in hand and underline the thesis. Is it clear, that is, can you easily discern what the thesis is?

d. Is it concise: can it be encapsulated in one or two sentences?

e. Does it identify a specific argument or analytical focus for the article they are writing about?

2. Body/Conclusion

a) Now examine the rest of the paper more closely with this question in mind: how does the rest of the paper connect to the thesis?

b) How does the rest of the paper support the thesis? Are there ample illustrations and examples that expand the idea of the thesis? What are they? (summarize or underline)

c) Each body paragraph needs AT LEAST one quote or example from the story to back up the claim. This should be followed by a page number. Are these present?

d) Is all evidence followed by a parenthetical citation?

e) After the quote or example, they need a sentence explaining how the example proves their topic sentence or thesis. Are these present?

f) Give the percentage of SUMMARY and QUOTES in each body paragraph. Should be less than 10% each.

g) Are there places where the paper strays from or contradicts the thesis?

h) Where does the paper do its best job of supporting the thesis? Where is it in need of the most work?

i) Does the conclusion restate the thesis without using the exact words? Is the thesis at the beginning of the conclusion?

3. Mechanics

a) Are there places where grammar and spelling errors interfere with the message the paper is attempting to communicate? Where are these?

b) Is the tone appealing and appropriate? Is it academic in nature rather than conversational?

c) Is the format correct according to MLA style?

d) There should be a works cited page. Is it in the correct format?

e) What are the three strongest features of the paper? What are the three areas that are most in the need of improvement? Be specific.