Essay Checklist

Print this page, fill it in and turn it in to your teacher based on their instructions.

Key:

check = good, adequate
circle = needs work
blank = not applicable

Name: ___________________________________

Title of Essay _____________________________

Due Date of Essay _________________________

Type of Essay _____________________________

(Examples of types: narrative, descriptive; expository, i.e. compare/contrast, cause-effect, argumentative, evaluative, process analysis, classification, definition; research, etc.)

Goals: What writing goal(s) do you wish to focus on and accomplish while creating this piece?

Editor's comments: (Provide the name of the editor: if you are doing a self-check, a professor, tutor, or peer)

1. Essay Structure (Organization)

 Introductory paragraph

 Clear statement of thesis (main theme, topic)

 Interesting lead (engaging beginning)

 Body (good overall structure)

 Concluding paragraph or summary statement for shorter works

2. Paragraph Structure

 Paragraphs are ordered to show a logical sequence of ideas

 Effective sequencing of ideas or content within the paragraph

 Each paragraph has a main idea (stated or implied clearly)

 Each paragraph uses enough accurate facts, details, observations, examples +/or illustrations to support the main idea and convince the reader

 Each paragraph and sentence within paragraph relates to the main theme or topic

3. Transitions, Point of View & Coherence

 Transitional phrases bridge one paragraph with the next effectively

 Essay sticks to one point of view (doesn't shift in point of view):

1st person - I, we;

2nd person - you;

3rd person - he, she, it, they.

3rd person has three points of view:
omniscient (narrator relates subjectivity of all characters)
limited omniscient (narrator relates thoughts and feelings of one)
camera view (action is recorded from an objective, neutral perspective)

 The reader can clearly follow the author's intended meaning point by point

4. Syntax = Sentence Structure

 Complex sentence structure (uses compound & complex sentences)

 Effective use of coordinating & subordinating conjunctions

 Variety of sentence structure is used (non-repetitive patterns)

 Sentences sound fluidic & smooth when read aloud (rhythm of words)

 Sentences are free of run-ons

 Sentences are free of fragments

 Parallel construction

5. Vocabulary (Diction) and Risks with Language

 Proper word usage

 Alternative word choices (accurate, creative, non-repetitive)

 Use of active, vivid verbs

 Show, not tell (choice of specific words convey a picture to the reader's mind)

 Use of figurative language: metaphors ("Lila is a jewel"); similes ("Josh runs like a wild stallion"); analogies ("A heart works like a pump ...")

6. Critical Thinking and Content

 Important concepts have been analyzed, explored and defined fully and clearly

 Depth of thought is conveyed; original, insightful interpretation is shared

 Your line of reasoning (interpretation and inferences) is clearly laid out

 Reasons given to support a conclusion, solution, or belief are relevant, true (acceptable), and there are enough of them to convince the reader

 The rebuttal (con) to your argument has been addressed effectively

 Assumptions (your own and other authors') have been considered

 The subject has been thought of from different points of view

 Implications and consequences of your conclusion are considered

7. Proofing for Grammar & Mechanics

 Correct capitalization

 Proper punctuation

 Subject and verb or subject and pronoun agreement

 Spelling has been checked (spell checker, dictionary, proofreader)

8. Quality Reader Experiences

 Author's tone and style match the message well

 Author has considered his/her audience's experience of the work