Checklist
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Does your thesis statement present the following elements: 1) your opinion; 2) your support for this opinion from primary sources (state two or three reasons); 3) your support for this opinion from secondary sources?
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Are other points of view recognized and examined?
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Does each topic sentence clearly state the main point of the paragraph and show how the paragraph relates to the thesis?
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Do the topic sentences, when read sequentially, guide the reader through each step of your analysis and argument?
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Does your paper contain four well developed middle paragraphs?
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Does each middle paragraph include the following elements: a) a focused topic sentence; b) your own analysis of your primary source(s); c) two or more references to the primary material or specific examples; d) two or more references to your secondary sources?
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Are the essay’s assertions clear? Are they adequately supported?
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Does the organization of your paper further your assertions/argument?
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Have you removed irrelevant material?
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Does the conclusion restate the thesis, sum up the main points, and suggest a broader context or the implications of your subject?
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Have you used five or more secondary sources to support your central argument?
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Have you followed MLA style for citations and bibliography?
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Is your source material (whether summarized, paraphrased, or quoted) presented fairly and accurately?
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Have you rechecked the citations for all the sources in your paper?
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Have you prepared an alphabetical list of your sources for the end of your paper?