Created by: Cheryl Hoy

Researched Essay
Draft Review Workshop
READ AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS IN EACH STEP.
TYPE YOUR RESPONSES ON THIS FORM WHEN ASKED AND WRITE ON THE DRAFT WHEN ASKED
YOUR NAME:
NAME OF PERSON WHOSE DRAFT YOU ARE REVIEWING:

PART ONE
Argumentative Framework and Structure:
1. Underline the sentence that states the thesis.
2. Label each body paragraph in the essay. In the margin of the printed draft, write if the paragraph presents an introduction, cause,
supporting point, counter argument, refute, or conclusion.
(Type your answers after each question.)
a. Is the essay missing any of these argumentative elements? If yes, which ones?
b. Read ONLY each topic sentence. Does each topic sentence directly and clearly relate to the thesis? Which topic
sentences need revision to clearly show its connection to the thesis?
c. Which topic sentence(s) need transitions to signal the paragraphs purpose in the
argument?
Argumentative Organization:
3. Look at the organization of the paragraphs in the essay. Is it effective? Should any of the supporting points or causes, or
solutions, counter arguments, or refutes be moved to a different place in the essay? If yes, which ones? Type your answers below:
Paragraph Organization:
4. Read each paragraph separately and start with the last paragraph of the essay and read UP through the draft. Does each sentence in
the paragraph clearly relate to the topic sentence? In other words, does each sentence provide an explanation, example, or supporting
fact? Where are more transitions needed between sentences? Note specific areas here and write your comments on the essay.
Documentation and Format:
5. Check all parenthetical and works cited citations. Type your answers after each question.
a.

Is there a works cited page?

b. Are the citations on the works cited page written correctly?

c.

Is each parenthetical citation correctly written and placed?

d. Does each citation on the works cited page match up to at least one parenthetical citation in the essay?
a.

How many sources are cited within the essay? Type the number here:

b.

How many sources are cited on the works cited page? Type the number here:

e.

Are any citations on the works cited page not cited in the essay parenthetically?

f.

Are any parenthetical citations not listed on the works cited page?

6. Check for MLA format. Type your answers after each question.
a.

Is the works cited page formatted correctly?

b. Is the works cited page titled: Works Cited in the center of the page, one-inch from the top margin without any
italicizing, bolding, or underlining?
c.

Is your last name and page number correctly placed on each page?

d. Is the first page correctly formatted?

e.

Is there a title for the essay?

PART TWO
Argumentative Development:
1. Read the introduction and conclusion. Do they relate to one other or are they about two different issues/subjects/topics?
Type your answer here:
Does the introduction include: (Type your answers after each question)
a. a history, background information, discussion of the debate surrounding the issue?
b. an argumentative thesis statement?
c. an opening hook such as a statistic, surprising fact, brief story?
Does the introduction give a good understanding of the debate/issue?
Whats missing or what does the introduction need to make it more effective?
Does the conclusion: (Type your answers after each question)
a.

very briefly sum up the debate?

b. reassert the thesis?

c.

address implications?

Whats missing or what does the conclusion need to make it more effective?
2. Is each supporting point fully developed? (Type your answers after each question)
a.

Does each paragraph have a topic sentence that relates to the thesis and the writers position?

b. Does each supporting point paragraph include specific examples, facts, and statistics
from two or more sources?
FOR EACH PARAGRAPH, WRITE ON THE DRAFT WHICH ITEM(S) BELOW ARE NEEDED :
1. Is this paragraph the first time the source is used?
a. If so, is the source fully introduced?
b. Is the source material framed (framed before, framed after, framed with bookends)?
1. Is the writer using the same type of frame repeatedly?
2. Is any source material not framed? (If so, the writer will need to frame it)
c. Underline all verbs of attribution (see box listing verbs of attribution in the Simon and Schuster Handbook pp. 559-560)
1. Is the writer using the same two or three verbs of attribution repeatedly? (If so, use new ones.)
d. Does the writer have one or two signals of synthesis in each paragraph?
Listed below are just a FEW examples of words/phrases that can be used:

Signals of synthesis with the paragraphs point

(agrees and states, furthers this point, exemplifies this point by saying, concurs and examines this
point further by reporting)
Signals of synthesis between the two sources
(X agrees with Y and states, X illustrates Ys idea by noting, X furthers Ys explanation when saying,
X supporting Ys assertion comments..)

Signals of synthesis with the paragraphs point and the other source
(X agrees with Y and furthers this point by stating, X and Y concur and Y further demonstrates this
point by reporting)

c. Does each supporting point paragraph include the writers own sentences explaining the significance of the source
material to that particular point and to the argument?

d. Which points could use more examples, facts, explanations, or specific details?
f.

Does each paragraph have a wrap-up sentence?

3. Are the counter arguments fully developed? A counter argument must be developed more than one or two sentences and must have
supporting evidence from sources.
Does the counter argument: (Type your answers after each question)
a. present at least one relevant criticism?
b. explain the opposing sides view?
c. illustrate this side with specific examples, facts, statistics from two or more sources?
What does the counter argument need to make it stronger?
4. Is there a refute to the counter argument?
Does the refute: (Type your answers after each question)
a. acknowledge any valid points made by the opposing side?
b. respond to the opposing sides concerns?
c. explain the validity of the writers position in spite of the criticisms?
d. use evidence from two or more sources as support?
What does the refute need to make it stronger?
5. Does the writer use formal language, appropriate point of view, and an academic tone--no conversational, casual, slang, or vague
words or absolute phrases?
Circle each conversational, casual, and slang word or phrase.
Circle each vague word, such as this, that, and thing.
Circle each you, your, and yourself.
Circle each absolute word, such as everyone, everybody, anyone, all, none, nobody, always, never,
etc.
6. Are there spelling, grammar, or syntax errors?
Circle this for the writer:
Change your computers spelling and grammar checker to the FORMAL or to GRAMMAR & STYLE setting.
Run the spell checker and FIX any errors it highlights.