Argumentative Essay Checklist
Argumentative Essay Checklist
Introduction
☐ Sets the context in the introduction by reviewing the topic in a general way
☐Establishes why the topic is important (exigence) or why readers should care about the issue
☐Presents an explicit thesis statement (stated directly)
☐Presents an arguable thesis statement (it can be proven valid)
☐Follows the guidelines set forth in the assignment by narrowing the scope of the thesis statement to meet the conditions set by the key question
Transitions
☐Uses transitions to wrap up the idea from the previous section and introduce the idea that is to follow in the next section
☐Uses subtle transitions to show the relationship between ideas rather than dropping in reductive words like "first, second, and third," or "first, then, finally."
Evidential Support
☐Limits each body paragraph to one general idea to add clarity and direction
☐Writes clearly and concisely to create ease of readability for the audience
☐Ensures each paragraph in the body of the essay has some logical connection to the thesis statement in the opening paragraph
☐Ensures that the evidence collected through secondary research used with some paragraphs directly supports the thesis statement
☐ Ensures the evidence established through a combination of argumentative strategies (Logos, Ethos, Pathos) used in all body paragraphs effectively supports the thesis
☐ Ensures the evidence established through a combination of argumentative strategies (Logos, Ethos, Pathos) used in all body paragraphs appeals to (rather than alienates) the reader
☐ Explains how and why the evidence supports the thesis (warrant)
☐ Considers and explains differing points of view regarding the topic to help establish a well-rounded argument (it is unethical to exclude evidence that may not support the thesis)
☐ Directly and indirectly suggests that opposing viewpoints may be ill-informed or out of date
☐ Presents evidence that is well-researched (others’ ideas) and well-reasoned (own
Introduction
☐ Sets the context in the introduction by reviewing the topic in a general way
☐Establishes why the topic is important (exigence) or why readers should care about the issue
☐Presents an explicit thesis statement (stated directly)
☐Presents an arguable thesis statement (it can be proven valid)
☐Follows the guidelines set forth in the assignment by narrowing the scope of the thesis statement to meet the conditions set by the key question
Transitions
☐Uses transitions to wrap up the idea from the previous section and introduce the idea that is to follow in the next section
☐Uses subtle transitions to show the relationship between ideas rather than dropping in reductive words like "first, second, and third," or "first, then, finally."
Evidential Support
☐Limits each body paragraph to one general idea to add clarity and direction
☐Writes clearly and concisely to create ease of readability for the audience
☐Ensures each paragraph in the body of the essay has some logical connection to the thesis statement in the opening paragraph
☐Ensures that the evidence collected through secondary research used with some paragraphs directly supports the thesis statement
☐ Ensures the evidence established through a combination of argumentative strategies (Logos, Ethos, Pathos) used in all body paragraphs effectively supports the thesis
☐ Ensures the evidence established through a combination of argumentative strategies (Logos, Ethos, Pathos) used in all body paragraphs appeals to (rather than alienates) the reader
☐ Explains how and why the evidence supports the thesis (warrant)
☐ Considers and explains differing points of view regarding the topic to help establish a well-rounded argument (it is unethical to exclude evidence that may not support the thesis)
☐ Directly and indirectly suggests that opposing viewpoints may be ill-informed or out of date
☐ Presents evidence that is well-researched (others’ ideas) and well-reasoned (own
Cited: ☐Uses M.L.A. correctly ☐Writes no less than 1000 words (4 pages double-spaced) ________