Checklist for Essays
Check off the following for your response:
_____The claim is specific, original, defensible, arguable. (SODA)
_____The claim is a valid response to the prompt.
_____The evidence is accurate and well-chosen.
_____The essay explains the evidence in a way that makes sense.
_____There is a clear claim or thesis.
_____The reader can easily identify the writer’s main idea.
_____There is relevant, accurate evidence from the text that supports and develops the claim/thesis
_____There is sufficient (enough) evidence from text to support the claim.
_____There is elaboration (explanation) that explains or analyzes how the evidence supports the
claim/thesis (commentary sentences).
_____The flow of ideas is logical and easy to follow.
_____The introduction provides needed context (background info—lead in).
_____The conclusion restates the focus and/or follows clearly from the thinking in the essay.
_____The transitions/linking phrases make connections between concepts and ideas clear.
_____The style is appropriate to purpose and audience.
_____The word choice is precise (accurate).
_____The sentence length and structure is varied and effective.
_____The errors in mechanics and grammar do not impede (block) the reader’s understanding of the
text.