Checklist for Revising, Editing & Critiquing First Draft of Essay
As you re-read the first draft of your essay, applying the following questions to it, make
appropriate changes, where necessary:
Introduction:
1. Is the grabber interesting, effective and relevant to the topic?
2. Does the thesis statement follow naturally and logically from the grabber, or is a transition
sentence needed to link the grabber to the thesis?
3. Is the thesis statement one declarative sentence that states the topic and the essay’s
purpose; uses specific language; includes a focus/position on the topic; or possibly includes
sub-divisions?
4. Is the thesis statement’s location that of the last sentence of the introductory paragraph?
Body:
1. Does each body paragraph have a clear topic sentence (and if not, can you deduce the topic
of the paragraph based on the unity and coherence of ideas presented there)?
2. Does each topic sentence relate to the thesis statement (as was outlined/promised in the
thesis statement)?
3. Is each topic sentence adequately supported with authoritative reference/in-text citation
such as direct quotes, summaries, paraphrasing, examples, illustrations, statistics,
analogies, comparisons, and so on?
4. Is in-text citation correctly used and documented within the text of the essay?
5. Are transitions effectively and correctly utilized within and between paragraphs, allowing
for the smooth flow of ideas and their logical linkages?
6. Are body paragraphs unified, logically organized, and sequentially positioned in their best
locations?
Conclusion:
1. Does the first draft offer closure or finality upon your completion of its reading?
2. Does the conclusion logically follow from all that has been written and read?
3. Is the conclusion boring, ineffective, or anti-climatic?
Other Considerations:
1. Does the essay meet the MOCAS requirements?
- Is correct, idiomatic English used throughout? (M)
- Are there clear paragraph boundaries and does each paragraph reflect an effective
developmental strategy? (O)
- Are paragraphs solidly developed and ideas critically analyzed? (C & A)
- Is the style (tone, voice, and choice of words/diction) appropriate for an academic
audience? (S)
2. Is the word limit observed?
3. Does the works cited or references list conform to MLA or APA conventions and is it
attached to the draft?
Your task is to critique your peer’s first draft, and where possible offer suggestions.
CORRECTIONS AND EDITING ARE TO BE DONE BY THE WRITER OF
THE FIRST DRAFT.
(Prepared by Schontal Moore on September 8, 2005)