Writer’s Checklist

To clarify the expectations surrounding written work, we’ve put together this handy checklist that outlines the characteristics of various levels of work.  (Much of this has to do with the quality of your arguments; of course, if the assignment doesn’t call for you to make an argument, but rather a description or a comparison/contrast, then focus on the quality of your thesis and exposition.)

A response that needs improvement (“check minus”) consists of the following:

  • basic awareness of the pertinent issues and reference of the text(s) as allowed/required by the assignment.
  • enough clarity and organization to demonstrate the above

A good/average response (“check”) consists of the following:

  • good understanding of the pertinent issues and relevant/appropriate reference of the text(s) as allowed/required by the assignment.
  • a stated argument (or thesis) as allowed/required by the assignment and examples to support that argument.
  • clarity and organization which strongly demonstrate the above

An excellent response (“check plus”) consists of the following:

  • deep understanding of the pertinent issues–as well as underlying/related themes–and relevant/appropriate reference of the text(s) as allowed/required by the assignment.
  • a stated argument (or thesis) as allowed/required by the assignment and solid examples to support that argument, which displays logical consistency and topical focus.
  • clarity and organization which strongly demonstrate and enhance the above.

Questions to ask yourself while writing:

  • Am I addressing the question that’s being asked?
  • Am I using the required texts/resources?
  • Have I kept within the word count?
  • Do I have an argument/thesis?
  • Does the argument/thesis make sense?
  • Do I support that argument/thesis?
  • Do I stick to the argument/thesis?
  • Do any parts of my argument/thesis repeat themselves?
  • What parts of my argument/thesis seem weak?
  • If this were someone else’s argument/thesis, would I find it convincing?

  1. […] next RR assignment, due Monday 7/26, has been posted.  We’ve also added a writer’s checklist to clarify our expectations and subsequent evaluation of written […]

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