__Does the Introduction properly identify the research area and does it use an effective writing
strategy to capture reader attention?
___Is there a thesis at the end of the introduction which presents a clearly argued OPINION
about WHY the area of study is important to the writer?
___Does the body of the essay develop a section that presents the origins and development of
the research area effectively?
___Does the body of the essay contain a section that clearly and effectively present Foundational
knowledge, facts, and theories about the research area?
___Does the body of the essay provide an extended and effective discussion of key problems
and issue related to or essential to our understanding of the research area?
___Does the essay supply specific and concrete details rather than vague generalizations?
___Does the essay cite supporting evidence from its four sources, using 8-12 citations (direct
quotes/paraphrases {max. of 2 extended quotes})?
___Does the conclusion present a clear and detailed expansion of the original thesis, this time
focusing on why the area of study is important now and for all of society, the future, and
the writer?
___Does the essay show development of thought, insight, or originality?
Paragraph Level:
___Are the paragraphs unified, focused, and of appropriate length?
___Are the transitions between and within paragraphs appropriate?
Sentence Level:
___Are the sentence structures free of fragments, run-ons, comma splices, and other boundary
problems?
___Is there unclear, awkward, or excessively wordy phrasing or sentence structure?
Surface Level:
___Is the language clear and easy to read with appropriate word choices and no unnecessary or
missing words?
___Is the essay formatted correctly, based on classroom instruction and written guidelines?
___Is the essay relatively free of other surface errors: punctuation, spelling, verb tense, and
grammar
___Are the quotes and paraphrases in correctly formatted MLA citation style?
___Is the Works Cited pages correctly formatted according to MLA guidelines and does it consist
of the 4 required sources (1 book, 1 scholarly/scientific article, 2 reputable additional
sources)?
