Argumentative Essay Checklist

 

English 1A

Dr. Eigenauer

 

Formatting:

 

q                Margins are exactly one-inch on the sides, top, and bottom.

q                The font used in the entire paper is Verdana 12-point.

q                The paper is double-spaced.

q                There are no extra spaces between paragraphs.

q                All pages have page numbers at the bottom of the page in the middle.

q                All citations of two or more words have quotation marks.

Grammar:

 

q                The document has been spell-checked and there are no spelling errors.

q                The document has been checked for correct use of commas.

q                The document is free of sentence fragments.

q                The document is free of nominalizations.

q                The document is free of wordiness.

q                The document is free of gerund phrases starting sentences.

q                The document is free of infinitive phrases starting sentences.

q                The document is free of passive voice.

Structure:

 

q                The first sentence of the essay contains a clear thesis statement.

q                Each paragraph begins with a clearly stated reason that supports the thesis in the first sentence of the first paragraph or considers a viewpoint that opposes the thesis statement.

q                Each paragraph contains only information related to the first sentence of the paragraph.

q                The essay contains at least nine paragraphs, of which at least seven are body paragraphs. At least two of the seven body paragraphs are “however” paragraphs.

q                This checklist is the first page of the document being handed in.

q                The last page of the document is your title page with your name on it.