Checklist 1: Cause and Effect
1. Does the introduction clearly state the purpose of the essay and help the reader focus on the topic?
-Unclear, confusing intro -Clear, well focused intro
1 2 3 4
2. In this essay, it is helpful to use words that suggest the cause-and-effect connection (so, therefore, because, as a result, led to, brought about, caused). Circle all such words in the essay that suggest cause/ effect relationships.
3. Is there a smooth transition between paragraphs? Place a star between paragraphs that have a smooth, clear transition. Place a question mark between paragraphs that have poor, confusing transitions.
4. Bracket any sentences that are hard to read or comprehend.
5. Indicate any mechanical errors. Place the following symbols above the error: SP=spelling, P = punctuation, and GR = grammar.
6. By the end of the paper, do you think the cause/ effect relationship has been logically developed and clearly explained?
-Relationship is clouded, -Relationship is logical
the logic unclear and clearly explained
1 2 3 4
7. In the margin, note any logical flaws you find throughout the essay. (e.g., the post hoc fallacy)
8. List any additional or secondary causes (or effects) that you think should have been included but weren't.
Checklist 2: Comparison and Contrast
1. Does the introduction clearly indicate subjects to be compared and contrasted?
-Subjects being compared -Subjects being compared
/contrasted are unclear /contrasted are clear
1 2 3 4
2. Bracket the thesis statement.
3. Is the basis of the comparison clear?
-Common elements between the -Common elements between the
subjects are not clearly identified subjects are clearly identified
1 2 3 4
4. The paper should avoid trivial or obvious comparisons. Does the comparison/contrast lead the reader beyond the obvious?
-Comparison deals with -Comparison deals with
trivial or obvious elements substantive elements
1 2 3 4
5. Circle any transitional words or phrases that highlight similarities and differences. Note such words
or phrases as: on the one hand, on the other hand, on the contrary, despite, unlike, both, and similarly.
6. Well written topic sentences act as guideposts, alerting readers to comparisons and contrasts. They reinforce the main idea of the paragraph. Underline the topic sentence in each paragraph, and in the margin rate the effectiveness of each topic sentence as follows:
G: good--lopic sentence clearly states main idea of the paragraph.
F: fair-Topic sentence is clearly identified but it does not accurately reflect the main idea of the paragraph.
P: poor-It is difficult to determine which sentence in the paragraph is the topic sentence.
7. Briefly outline the comparison; identify the subjects and list the points of comparison. (iTo begin, is the paper organized as a "subject by subject" or "point by point" comparison?)
8. Based on the brief outline above, would you say that the treatment of the elements is balanced?
-Points treated for one subject -For each point treated in one subject,
are not given equal consideration the same point is treated equally
in the other subject in the other subject
1 2 3 4
Checklist 3: Argumentation
1. Does the introduction clearly establish the position to be defended in the paper?
-Unclear, confusing position Position is clear and well focused
1 2 3 4
2. Put parentheses around the thesis statement.
3. Underline the topic sentence in each paragraph.
4. To be convincing, an argumentation essay must provide sufficient evidence to support the writer's position. Underline with ajagged line those pieces of convincing evidence.
5. Is there a smooth transition between paragraphs? Place a star between paragraphs that have a smooth, clear transition. Place a question mark between paragraphs that have poor, confusing transitions.
6. Bracket any parts of the essay that are inappropriate to the audience. For example, are there any unnecessarily long plot summaries.
7. How well structured is the argument?
-Wandering, illogical, unfocused. - Direct, logical, focused.
1 2 3 4
8. Does the paper end with a clearly stated and justified conclusion?
-Conclusion is not justified -Conclusion is logical, justified
or unstated. clearly stated.
1 2 3 4
Grahner, Michael H. "Revision Workshops: An alternative to Peer Editing." English Journal . 76.3 (1987): 43-44
No comments:
Post a Comment