Introduction Paragraph(s)
Did you grab the reader's attention? (For example, by using statistics, a personal story, a compelling statement, a question, etc.)
Is your thesis statement well-constructed?
• Does it tell the reader what your essay is about? Does it communicate your position? Is it one or two sentences long?
• Did you provide enough background information to help your audience understand the subject matter and your position?
• Did you define key terms for your audience?
Body Paragraphs
• Does each paragraph include a topic sentence?
• What are your main supporting points?
• What questions might the reader have that you should address?
• What transitions do you use to move from one idea to the next and from one paragraph to the next?
How do you use the three audience appeals?
• Logic: Do you persuade your audience that your position is logical and reasonable? Do you include facts and sources to back up your claims?
• Credibility: Do you persuade your audience that you are credible and trustworthy by using the appropriate point of view, voice, tone, examples, and credible sources? Are your points ethical and honest?
• Emotion: Do you appeal to the emotions of your audience by framing your position as a problem they can relate to or with which they can sympathize?
Counter Perspective(s)
It is important to address counter perspective(s) in your essay. Use the following criteria and select one to three counter perspectives to help strengthen your position:
Is there evidence to support the counter perspective? Does the evidence include fallacies (flaws in reasoning)? If so, identify and explain.
Does the counter perspective leave out an important point? If so, you should point this out.
Is there more recent or credible evidence to support your perspective?
Conclusion Paragraph(s)
• Do you paraphrase or restate your thesis in a new way?
• Do you summarize your main points?
• Do you state any future research possibilities, if applicable?
• Do you leave a lasting impression? How will you get your audience to continue thinking about your topic and/or take action?