Writing Checklist and Rubric

The purpose of this checklist is to provide a tool for self-evaluation and to clarify the expectations for written work in this course. Before submitting your paper, you will complete this checklist and attach it to your paper. In evaluating papers, I will consider the following qualities: accuracy, organization and clarity, thoroughness and development, and argument.

ACCURACY

1. Have I proofread my paper, eliminating grammatical and other surface errors? Y N

2. Have I properly formatted the paper and ensured it is the proper length? Y N

3. Have I accurately characterized the central issue? Y N

4. Have I accurately represented the positions, arguments, or criticisms discussed? Y N

CLARITY AND ORGANIZATION

5. Have I avoided using slang? Y N

6. Have I avoided discussing extraneous material? Y N

7. Have I expressed my ideas in clear prose? Y N

8. Have I clearly explained my ideas and made them self-sufficient? Y N

9. Have I ensured that the paper gets down to business quickly? Y N

10. Have I stated the thesis of the paper in the first paragraph? Y N

11. Have I unified and focused the paper on the stated thesis? Y N

12. Have I provided logical links throughout the paper to support the thesis? Y N

THOROUGHNESS AND DEVELOPMENT

13. Have I answered all parts of the assigned question? Y N

14. Have I demonstrated knowledge of class materials and discussions? Y N

15. Have I provided adequate bibliographic information? Y N

16. Have I explained relevant background material? Y N

17. Have I sufficiently developed the position I defend? Y N

ARGUMENT

18. Have I avoided rhetorical questions? Y N

19. Have I offered compelling support for my position? Y N

20. Have I considered what my opponents may say? Y N

21. Have I offered an important, original, and plausible thesis and argument? Y N