Checklist for In-Class Literary Analysis Essays
Introduction and Thesis Statement
_____ Include the author’s first and last name, the italicized (not underlined) title, and the genre
of the book in the introductory paragraph.
_____ After first mentioning the author’s full name once in the introduction, use the last name
only after that.
_____ Include a thesis statement at the end of your introductory paragraph.
_____ Be sure the thesis states your opinion about a central theme of the text.
Body Paragraphs
_____ Be sure each body paragraph includes a ​topic sentence​. This is usually the first sentence.
_____ The topic sentence should provide the reader with an idea of what aspect of the thesis you
will explore in that paragraph.
_____ Include two or three ​specific pieces of evidence​ from the text in each paragraph in the
form of direct quotes or brief paraphrase of a part of the text.
_____ For each piece of evidence, include the ​page number​ where you found that evidence.
The page number goes in parentheses ​before the period​ at the end of the sentence.
_____ Explain​ how each piece of evidence helps prove your claim that _____ is a central theme
of the text. Your explanation (commentary) should be longer than the evidence itself.
Concluding Paragraph
_____ Restate​ your thesis is a new and compelling way, leaving your reader with a greater
understanding of the significance of your claim. Do not just retype your original thesis!
_____ Answer the ​“so what”​ question: So what? Why does your interpretation matter? How
does your interpretation help your reader understand the text better? How does your
interpretation offer the reader something they can take away from the book and apply to
their own lives or to the world around them?
Final Checks – Complete this before submitting your work!
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Highlight your thesis statement in light blue.
Highlight your topic sentences in light pink.
Highlight every piece of evidence in light green.
Highlight every explanation of your evidence (commentary) in light yellow.
Starting at the bottom of your essay, read over your work slowly, one sentence at a time,
checking for errors in grammar and mechanics, as well as areas that might be worded
poorly or in a confusing manner.
_____ Run a spell check!