english argument essay

English 101

Professor Scripps

OA Essay Revision Checklist

Directions: Use this checklist to make sure that your essay meets the assignment’s requirements and is written as effectively as possible.

Parts of the Essay

1. Introduction

a. Follows the four steps: grabs attention (usually with evidence), announces essay’s topic, transitions to thesis, states thesis (writer’s point on essay’s topic)

2. Body

a. Paragraphs possess three keys: topic sentence (extension of thesis), unity, and development

b. Evidence is well-integrated: citation sandwich all quotes, paraphrases, and summaries

c. Correct citations for all quotes, paraphrases, and summaries

d. Addresses important counter-arguments; makes thesis-strengthening responses to those arguments

3. Conclusion

a. Restates thesis and central reasoning

b. Explores “so what?” at the end

4. Works Cited

a. Use instructions on textbook page 668 to create your references

b. Check your finished Works Cited page against the example on page 428

Conventions

1. Strong organization (body matches thesis) and paragraphing (paragraph = one idea, fully explained)

2. Clear tie-backs (evidence is explained and tied back to topic sentence and thesis)

3. Academic tone to match the essay’s audience

4. Strong transitions

5. Clear, grammatical sentences (no fragments or run-ons)

6. MLA format

Specific Requirements

1. Four full pages minimum

2. Minimum of six citations total (a combination of quoting, paraphrase, and summary) from two sources

3. Format matches example on page one of OA essay packet