Commendation
& Correction Guide (edited)
by Gretchen Polnac
What you should have and what you shouldn't have:
Introduction of Essay
1. Introduction needs to develop the concept you wish to
discuss more completely. Give more emphasis to the background of your topic and
why it is important.
2. Introduction is strong and illuminating; a good start
reflecting organization and interest.
3. Thesis is weak; this critical statement lacks sequenced and
related ideas needed to build a clear argument; name characters and concepts you
will discuss in the essay. Thesis map should guide your reader through the
paper.
4. Thesis works well making an intelligent and interesting
argument.
Body Paragraphs
5. Assert a clear idea at the beginning of the paragraph as
part of the topic sentence (consider this a body thesis). Make it a sharp and
precise statement of the issue you will prove. Do not assert an element of plot,
or a fact, as an idea of the topics sentence.
6. Strong topic sentence or body thesis which should help
control of paragraph.
7. More examples will help prove this point. Examples are too
few to convince the reader of validity of the argument.
8. Examples make a good point for your assertion; nice choices
and analysis.
9. Explain how this example makes your point; discuss the
example and draw more from it.
10. Examples are well-explained providing good analysis and
support.
11. Close a paragraph with an idea that concludes what your
topic sentence and examples have proven; do not simply mimic the assertion nor
end with your last point. Draw a large idea that is the logical extension of
your points made in the body.
12. Effective conclusion to the paragraph.
Essay Conclusion
13. Concluding paragraph is weak and thereby ineffective. Draw a larger idea at
the essay's close that grows out of the assertions you have given. Leave the
reader with a better opinion of the logic and correctness of your essay.
14. Effective closure; you successfully draw together
assertions and examples.
15. Enrich the thematic statement; usually the theme follows
the several sentences wrapping up the essay; then move to making an observation
about the human condition, ambition, or motivation.
16. Strong thematic observation
Spelling/ Grammar/ Syntax/ Reference
17. Spelling error; use spell check or the computer, a
dictionary, or a peer editor
18. Effective word choice (diction)
19. Effective sentence structure (syntax)
20. Revise for sense and logic—idea lost in current phrasing
and syntax
21. Transitions that are embedded.
Provide a transition between ideas both within a paragraph and when moving to
another paragraph.
22. References to title and author nicely made and subordinated
to principal idea
23. Refer to author and title at start of essay
24. Sophisticated, confident, and knowledgeable voice
25. Use present tense in literature discussion and analysis
26. Use active voice
27. Get rid of indefinite reference; this, that, these, it,
they.....
28. Effective use of MLA heading (left side of first page—no
cover sheet)
29. Effective use of quotations; embedded nicely into
your own syntax and documented correctly.
30. New ideas presented! Effective style throughout,
pleasant and enjoyable to read. Kudos!