The Introduction
• The essay contains an introduction.
• There is a background statement or statements.
• The background statement narrows the topic.
• There is a clear thesis statement.
• The introduction contains subtopics.

Paragraphs
• All body paragraphs contain clear topic sentences.
• All the sentences in each paragraph relate to the topic sentence.
• Paragraphs are logically structured.
• Transition/Linking words are used appropriately and correctly.
• Paragraphs are not too long.
Ideas
• The essay demonstrates that the ideas have been analysed.
• It is clear where ideas come from (i.e. your sources).
• Various ideas have clearly been combined.
• The relationships between ideas have been clearly established.

Arguments/Points
• Quotations are used well.
• There are clear paraphrases.
• There are (far) fewer quotations used than paraphrases or summaries.
• There are appropriate examples used.
• There are appropriate explanations, comments and elaborations as needed.

The conclusion
• There is a conclusion.
• It summarises what the essay says.
• The final statement/question ends the essay neatly and powerfully, not abruptly.
Vocabulary and Grammar
• The vocabulary is appropriate.
• The essay has been checked with a grammar and spelling checker
• The essay has also been edited by you and re-edited after spell-checking.
• There are no sentence fragments (everything is in complete sentences).
• The sentences are all clear and precise.

Tone
• Impersonal language is used throughout.
• The tone is academic.
• Inclusive language (non-discriminatory) is used throughout.

Citations & References
• All sources of information are cited in the essay (author, year, page #).
• Citation details match the reference list.
• Long quotations are single-line spaced.
• There is a reference list.
• The list is in (surname) a-z order.
• The reference list is single line spaced.
• There is one space between each entry.
• All entries in the reference list have been cited in the te