Argumentative Essay Revision Checklist

Intro Paragraph

 My intro starts with an effective hook.

 I have 1-2 connecting/background sentences leading to my thesis statement.

 My thesis statement clearly states the claim, position AND includes the three main
ideas I will be sharing about my topic.

 I do not just raise a question as a thesis statement.

Paragraph Number 2 (= first main argument)

 My first sentence is my topic sentence, which includes an appropriate transition and

expresses my first big idea.

 After my topic sentence I have at least 3-4 sentences that follow a pattern of
evidence/commentary, evidence/commentary, evidence/commentary that stay on
topic!

 I finish off my paragraph with a good concluding sentence that tells the reader I am
finished and ready to move on.

Paragraph Number 3 (= second main argument)

 My first sentence is my topic sentence, which includes an appropriate transition and

expresses my first big idea.

 After my topic sentence I have at least 3-4 sentences that follow a pattern of
evidence/commentary, evidence/commentary, evidence/commentary that stay on
topic!

 I finish off my paragraph with a good concluding sentence that tells the reader I am
finished and ready to move on.

Paragraph Number 4 (= third main argument)

 My first sentence is my topic sentence, which includes an appropriate transition and

expresses my first big idea.

 After my topic sentence I have at least 3-4 sentences that follow a pattern of
evidence/commentary, evidence/commentary, evidence/commentary that stay on
topic!

 I finish off my paragraph with a good concluding sentence that tells the reader I am
Paragraph 5 (concluding paragraph)

 I restate my thesis statement or incorporate the ideas from my thesis in the

paragraph.

 I end my paragraph will a call to action or a final thought

Language check

 What are three transitions and linking words I used?

 My sentences have different lengths and beginnings

 I’ve used precise, formal language

 I have checked my conventions** and made sure I don’t have fragments or run-on
sentences.

**Conventions

Capitalization

 ALL proper nouns such as names of products or articles cited are capitalized the
beginning of each sentence is capitalized

 The letter I by itself is capitalized

Punctuation

 All sentences have an ending punctuation mark

 All contractions are eliminated
 Other punctuation marks such as commas, colons, and semicolons are used correctly

Spelling

 All words marked are corrected

 Any homophones like there/their/there used incorrectly are fixed

Correction abbreviations

Gr = grammar mistake
Sp = spelling mistake
Prep = wrong preposition
P = wrong punctuation
T = wrong tense
WW = wrong word
WC = weird word choice