Essay Checklist

Name__________________________________________________________________ Date_____________________________________

Essay Writing: Writer’s Checklist
Introduction:
Is the main idea (i.e., thewriter’s opinion of the story title) stated clearly?
Is the introductory paragraph interesting? Does it make the reader want to keep on reading?
Body Paragraphs:

Does each body paragraph have aclear topic sentence that is related to the main idea of the essay?
Does each body paragraph include specific information from the text(including quoted evidence from the text, if required by theinstructor)
that supports the topic sentence?
Is there a clear plan for the order of the body paragraphs (i.e., order of importance, chronology in the story, etc.)?
Does each body paragraphtransition smoothly to the next?

Conclusion:
Is the main idea of the essay restated in different words?
Are the supporting ideas summarized succinctly and clearly?
Is the concluding paragraphinteresting? Does it leave an impression on the reader?

Overall Essay:
Is any important material left unsaid?
Is any material repetitious and unnecessary?
Has the writer tried to incorporate “voice”in the essay so that it has his/her distinctive mark?
Are there changes needed in word choice, sentence length and structure, etc.?
Are the quotations (if required) properly cited?
Has the essaybeen proofread for spelling, punctuation, grammar,etc.?
DOES THE ESSAY HAVE AN INTERESTING AND APPROPRIATE TITLE?

Name__________________________________________________________________Date_____________________________________

Essay Writing: Writer’s Checklist
Introduction:
Is the main idea (i.e., the writer’s opinion of the story title) stated clearly?
Is the introductory paragraphinteresting? Does it make the reader want to keep on reading?
Body Paragraphs:

Does each body paragraph have a clear topic sentence that is related to the main idea of the essay?
Does each...