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_____OUTLINE - Make an outline of sufficient detail first? Does it follow logically and do the pieces fit together? Have you used it to better organize your essay? _____HEADINGS - Headings are not required but if you have problems with organization I would strongly suggest them. Are major divisions of the paper clearly identified with headings and subheadings? Do they accurately describe that section of the paper? Use the outline to help you to identify the major areas for the headings. _____ORGANIZATION - Is there some type of logical progression of thought/theory/material? Are there significant gaps or missing parts? Does the organization help or hinder the readers' flow? Do paragraphs present a coherent theme? _____TRANSITIONS - Does your introductory paragraph, for the essay and for each section of it, tell the reader what you are up to? Is your ending paragraph concise and clear - are you summarizing the major points of the previous section or passage? Do individual paragraphs exhibit good transition from one thought into another? Are transitions smooth? _____DATA - How effectively are numbers presented? Are exhibits such as graphs, charts, figures or other visual aids used where they contribute to the readers understanding of the paper? How do they relate to your text? Is the source of the data cited appropriately? _____SPELLING - "No quarter!" - Enough said... At best, keep a dictionary and thesaurus by your side. At worst, learn to use a spell checker. Don't hand in a paper without using it. _____WORD CHOICE Words are important! They give the reader a sense of how deeply you know your subject. Are technical terms used or abused? Is your vocabulary varied or boring? Are you using the terminology learned in this course to explain your thoughts? View writing as an opportunity to expand your vocabulary. Use a thesaurus and your text glossary!!! _____GRAMMAR Are you following the rules of good grammar? Subject-Verb-Object agreement; fragments; run-ons; punctuation; it's/its'; complete sentences; capitalization. Can the reader understand you? _____COVERAGE - Have you accomplished your objective? Is there evidence that you have read both widely and deeply? Do you discuss all sides of controversial issues? Is the relevant theory used as a framework for your analysis? Do you draw historical comparisons and make predictions as appropriate? _____FOOTNOTES/CITATIONS - Does your reference scheme work to tie your statement to its attributed source? NO PLAGIARISM ALLOWED (no copying); when in doubt, reference. _____WORKS CITED - Follow the assigned style (Usually either MLA or APA.) Are your references at an appropriate level or are they so technical that you didn’t get much out of it? Are your references current? Recent references are usually better than dated ones (except classics). _____MLA or APA or Chicago STYLE - The goal of this requirement is to get you to look up a style and follow it. Are you following the style as required ? The St. Martin's Guide to Writing or any good College Handbook should be part of your personal library. [_____ SUMMARY ABSTRACT Your abstract should provide a brief summation of your research question and your conclusions. It should be labeled as the Summary Abstract, written on a single page, and attached to the front of your paper. Mainly for writing papers] _____WRITING STYLE - Does your paper hold the interest of the reader? Is your paper a pleasure to read or a pain to endure? Do your thoughts fit together well? Do your thoughts flow well? Is your writing choppy or smooth? sophisticated or crude? varied or monotonous? provocative or bland? effective or incoherent? _____OVERALL IMPRESSION - Good writing is more than the sum of its parts; synergy is everything! A well-written essay is a work of art that deserves global, as well as specific, assessment.
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