CHECKLIST

• After a break, reread your draft with a fresh perspective.

• What is your point or position? Does your thesis statement clearly state your main point?
• Does your essay have the following?

  — An introductory paragraph

  — Three or more body paragraphs

  — A topic sentence for each paragraph that supports the main point

  — A forceful concluding paragraph that reminds readers of the main point and makes an observation

• Does your essay have unity?

  — Do all of the support points relate directly to the main point?

  — Do all of the supporting details in each body paragraph relate to the paragraph’s topic sentence?

  — Have you avoided drifting away from the main point?

• Do you have enough support?

  — Taken together, do the topic sentences of each paragraph give enough support or evidence for the main point?

  — Do individual paragraphs support their topic sentences?

  — Would more detail strengthen your support?

• Is your essay coherent?

  — Have you used transitional words to link ideas?

  — Have you used transitional sentences to link paragraphs?

• Revise your draft, making any improvements you can. Be sure to look for bias or errors in reasoning.