Post on 09-Aug-2015
◼ Is your research question clearly stated?◼ Is there enough lead-in in the
introduction to establish the importance of and context for the statement/question?
▪ Too much or too little?◼Do you have a thesis statement that
answers the question – and is it arguable?
◼ Is it clear to the audience what material you will follow?
◼Are there transitions between all sections and paragraphs to create flow?
◼Does each body paragraph have a topic sentence?
▪ Does the topic sentence connect back to the question?
▪ …establish a link with the previous paragraph’s content?
▪ …give enough information so the reader could guess where a particular paragraph’s development would lead?
◼Near the end of each paragraph, do you remind readers why you are saying what you are saying by moving back up to abstract, general terms?
▪ This is with or without a formal concluding sentence.
◼Does the order of paragraphs make sense? Build on itself?
◼ Are your examples reliable, representative, and convincing? Are they explicitly analyzed rather than anecdotal?
◼ Are you sources convincing?▪ Is there a balance between your own insights and an
expert’s opinions?
◼ Are all sources and direct quotations explained and analyzed or left standing on their own?
◼ Has anything that goes off topic/is not essential been cut?
◼Does the conclusion say something different from your introduction?
◼Does it leave a good lasting impression, or is it wishy-washy and unassertive?
A: Research Question-In Intro and Abstract-Make sure it is focused and specific
B: Introduction-Research Question -Context-Significance -Thesis
C: Investigation-Systematic Investigation-Appropriate Sources (be wary of online sources)
D: Knowledge and Understanding of the Topic-”Academic Context” not just anecdotal
E: Reasoned Argument-Ideas presented clearly-In a logical and coherent manner
F: Analytical and Evaluative Skills-Analysis of subject, points, and sources-Psychology, Politics, History, etc – annotated bibliography
D,E, and F:-All demonstrate the depth of your analysis and understanding
-Explanations should show, not tell
-Be critical in your appropriation of support
-Be explicit in your points, don’t imply
H: Conclusion-Clearly stated and labeled-Consistent with question, evidence, and argument-Addresses unresolved questions-Does NOT restate introduction
I: Formal Presentation-title page, page numbers, table of contents, citations, format, etc..
J: Abstract -States clearly: 1) Research Question, 2) How the investigation was undertaken, 3) Conclusion and thesis
◼WHEN you proof read:▪ Work from a printout, not the computer screen.▪ Read out loud.▪ Use a blank sheet of paper to cover up the lines
below the one you’re reading.▪ Use the search function of the computer to find
mistakes you’re likely to make.◼ If you tend to make many mistakes,
check separately for each kind of error.▪ Move from most to least important, and follow
whatever technique works best for you.
◼ Use this template:
◼ https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uVcgigGauW21SUhixHDfJXMLF1Bk5UzPQVCanE464ls/edit
◼ Introduction – or better yet a catchy phrase that indicates an introduction but is topical to your paper!
◼ Investigation and Analysis – label each argument as a subtitle.
◼Conclusion – can be your label – or again, what about a subtopic indicating finality?