Argumentative Essay

Touchstone 5- Argumentative Essay- Checklist

TOUCHSTONE 5 CHECKLIST Refer to the checklist below throughout the writing process. Do not submit your

Touchstone until your paragraph meets all guidelines.

Argumentative Topic and Thesis Statement

❒ Have you included a thesis that takes a clear, specific position on one side of a debatable issue?

Argument Development ❒ Are all of the details relevant to the purpose of your essay? ❒ Is the argument supported using rhetorical appeals and source material? ❒ Is your essay 4-6 pages (approximately 1000-1500 words)? If not, which details do

you need to add or delete?

Research ❒ Have you cited outside sources effectively using quotation, summary, or paraphrase? ❒ Are the sources incorporated smoothly, providing the reader with signal phrases and

context for the source information? ❒ Have you referenced a range of 2-4 credible sources? ❒ Have you included an APA style reference page below your essay?

Organization and Flow ❒ Is there an introduction, conclusion, adequate body paragraphs, and a

counterargument? ❒ Is the argument presented in a logical order and easy for the reader to follow? ❒ Are there transitions within and between paragraphs?

Style ❒ Are the word choices accurate and effective? ❒ Are the sentence structures varied?

Touchstone 5- Argumentative Essay- Checklist

Conventions and Formatting ❒ Have you properly cited your sources according to APA style guidelines? ❒ Have you double-checked for correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, formatting, and

capitalization? ❒ Have you proofread for typos?

Before You Submit ❒ Have you answered all of the Think About Your Writing questions on a separate page below your reference page? Are your answers thoughtful and included insights, observations, and/or examples in all responses? ❒ Does your submission include your essay, followed by your reference page, followed

by your Think About Your Writing questions?