Initial thoughts. What are the main strengths and weaknesses of the draft? What might confuse readers? What is the most important thing the writer says in the draft? What will readers want to know more about?
Assignment. Does the draft carry out the assignment?
Title and introduction. Do the title and introduction tell what the draft is about and catch readers’ interest? How else might the draft begin?
Thesis and purpose. Paraphrase the thesis: In this paper, the writer will…. Does the draft fulfill that promise?
Audience. How does the draft interest and appeal to its audience?
Rhetorical stance. Where does the writer stand? What words indicate the stance?
Supporting points. List the main points, and review them one by one. How well does each point support the thesis? Do any need more -explanation? Do any seem confusing or boring?
Visuals and design. Do visuals, if any, add to the key points? Is the design clear and effective?
Organization and flow. Is the writing easy to follow? How effective are transitions within sentences, between sentences, and between paragraphs?
Conclusion. Does the draft conclude memorably? Is there another way it might end?