Reviewing the Draft of an Academic Essay

1. Introduction:

• What is the purpose of my introduction?
• What in the introduction makes a reader want to read more?
• Can I begin the essay any other way?
• Do I give general background information to this paper?

2. Thesis

• Find your thesis statement. Does it say what you want to accomplish in this paper?
• Think of your thesis as a promise to your reader. Does your essay keep the promise?

3. Supporting Points:

• List the main points made in the paper.
• Do any of them seem to be unnecessary?
• Do any of them need to be explained more?
• Should any of them be removed?
• Can you think of any other important points to add?

4. Organization:

• How did your organize your paper-- spatially, logically, chronologically?
• Are your main points arranged in an effective order?
• Can any points be rearranged or deleted?
• Can you think of ways for making the transitions between paragraphs clearer?

5. Paragraphs:

• Can you find a topic sentence for each paragraph?
• Do the points within each paragraph support the topic sentence?
• Do any paragraphs need further development?

6. Sentences:

• Look at all of your sentences. Which are the most interesting in the paper?
• Which are the least interesting?
• Are your sentences varied in length, type, and opening?
• Can you find examples of parallel, compound, or compound-complex sentences?
• Do you use coordination too much? Can you find places that should be made subordinate?

7. Words:

• Look for words that are effective.
• Can you find words you think need to be replaced with more exact words?
• Can you find any words that need to be defined or explained?

8. Tone:

• How does your writing sound -- serious, humourous, satiric, persuasive, passionate, objective?
• Is your tone consistent?
• Is your tone right for the topic and your audience?

9. Conclusion:

• Does the essay end with a satisfactory conclusion?
• Do you restate your thesis and make general statements about it?
• You may wish to conclude with a provocative question, a quotation, a call for action, or a warning.

10. References and List of Works Cited

• Have you included references in the MLA style?
• Have you written your list of works cited in the MLA style and placed it at the end of the paper?