by George Brosi

Does the essay have one overall main idea or thesis? Is that thesis interesting, useful, creative and stimulating? Does the essay have a clear and worth-while purpose?

Does the introductory paragraph entice the reader to continue reading? Is the writer mindful of the audience in a meaningful way?

Is the thesis of the essay presented in the introduction in a compelling way? Does the writer effectively tap into a personal voice that speaks to the reader?

Does the introduction give all readers a clear picture of what is being discussed: who? what? where? when?

Does each paragraph which follows the introduction make one clear point in support of the thesis using concrete illustrations which the reader can sense in several ways? Are these paragraphs nicely filled out so they take up one-third to one-half a page?

Does the conclusion paragraph summarize the points made in each paragraph so that the reader finishes with a clear sense of what has been achieved?

Is the tone of the paper accessible to the reader, avoiding the self-centeredness of the first person, the patronizing air of the second person and the abstractness of the "one" word?

Is the essay cinematic as opposed to abstract? Is the essay written in such a way that it could be used to create a compelling video?

Are the sentences dynamic and varied?

Does the essay use powerful specific nouns, action verbs and modifiers which grab and keep attention appropriately?

Is the vocabulary concrete and accessible, yet precise so that the wording is sophisticated without being overblown, trite or overly specialized?

Does the essay follow the strictest conventions of good grammar and syntax for maximum clarity?

Is the essay well punctuated so it can be easily understood?

Are the words correctly spelled?

Does the essay have a pleasing appearance in MLA style?