Name: English II/Freda
Essay Writing Checklist
Directions: As you read through your essay, CHECK OFF the boxes that you feel are TRULY complete in all aspects of the paper. If you can’t check it off, consider revising.
Introduction
The first sentence is the hook and is designed to grab the reader’s attention
Transition from the hook to the thesis statement
Give the full title(s) of the work(s) you are exploring as well as the complete name(s) of the author(s)
The thesis statement is the last sentence in the introduction paragraph
The thesis statement clearly and directly responds to the writing prompt or assignment (the words in the prompt may be used to formulate the thesis statement)
Body Paragraphs
The topic sentence is the first sentence of each body paragraph
The topic sentences are an extension of the thesis statement—each topic sentence clearly proves and supports the thesis statement and responds to the prompt or writing assignment
Sentences do not summarize plot or make general comments
Body paragraphs are developed with supporting and appropriate passages/quotes from the literature
Provide reader with the context for each supporting quote: speaker + occasion (aka how did they get to this point in the text?)
Follow each quote with at least two sentences of analysis that explain how the quote supports and proves the topic sentence and therefore the thesis statement
The last sentence of each body paragraph is a concluding sentence that summarizes the paragraph, connects to the thesis statement and/or transitions to the next paragraph
Conclusion
Never write “In conclusion…”
Revisit the hook and value of essay
Restates the thesis statement
Expands on the ideas in the essay, leaving the reader thinking and pondering with a concluding statement
Other Important Aspects
Use formal writing style, tone, and language – NO PERSONAL I.
DO NOT USE slang and contractions
Avoid addressing the reader and the use of first-person
DO NOT USE transition words
Pay attention to spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Give your essay a creative, thoughtful and interesting title.
Titles are NOT bold, underlined, or italicized.
Present tense and active voice are used to convey that the writing is happening at the current moment.
MLA Checklist
o Use 12 pt. Times New Roman
o Use 1” margins and double-space throughout your paper.
o Your name, instructor’s name, class and date (in international style: day, month, year, no commas) are double spaced and left justified.
o Your last name and page numbers should be right justified and typed in the header ½” from the top of the page.
o Book Titles should ONLY be italicized. “Short Stories,” “Poems,” and “Articles” should be put in quotations marks.
o Header numbering all pages consecutively in the upper right-hand corner; includes last name, followed by a space with a page number.
o When mentioning an author in-text for the first time, include his or her full name. Thereafter, the author can be referred to by last name.
o The author’s last name and the page number of the source separated by a single space are in parentheses to identify the source of each passage or idea used. Example: Antony's "modifications of Brutus's formulaic oratory are the first hint that [Anthony] knows his business" (Macrone 45).
The Works Cited Page
o The title Works Cited is centered at the top of the page. It must be a NEW page.
o The entire reference list page is double-spaced and has 1” margins.
o Include only sources mentioned in the paper.
o Items on the Works Cited page are arranged in alphabetical order by last name of the author. If no author is given, list it according to the title, excluding articles like “the” or “an.” For example, “The Only Way” would go under “O” for “Only.”
o There is a period at the end of each entry.
Take pride in your work and give the essay 100% of your effort!