Introduction The introduction should provide the reader a clear expectation of how the essay is going to progress by introducing Jackson and Jamieson, their text, and a properly cited passage from the text (though not necessarily all in the first sentence), providing sufficient background to whatever issue being introduced, a segue from that background to the claim of the thesis that creates a clear expectation for the essay, one that provides some sense of interest, concern or importance with regard to the issue. Let the reader know if you see any of these elements missing or somehow coming up short. Again, if they do something particularly well, let them know.

Essay Focus, Thesis or Main point The focus of the essay should revolve around the argument as it is developed using Aristotelian format. First the argument should be made, then the opposing view should be raised and then the opposing view should be rebutted or refuted before the essay concludes. This requires that there is a clear thesis to articulate the point/claim, that each paragraph fits with and is tied back to the claim of the thesis, and the conclusion drives home the point of the thesis. Be sure that the thesis, point or main idea is readily apparent, clearly expressed and creates a context for examining the evidence of the essay while offering an original and engaging focus. Additionally, each support paragraph contains the necessary and specific examples along with a warrant establishing the relationship between each example and the thesis and the conclusion drives home the point raised in the thesis. Let the writer know if there are any concerns, or anything done well, in this regard.

Development of Ideas and/or Experiences Developing the claim of the thesis requires paragraphs that contain specific examples that have an obvious relationship to the thesis. Additionally, an opposing view and its rebuttal/refutation are required. Ideally each supporting example is unmistakably pertinent to the claim of the thesis and is explained in a way that creates a clear link between that evidence and the thesis. Each paragraph contains a topic statement that indicates the point of the paragraph, a general indication of the point being discussed, specific examples from research to illustrate the validity of the general indication, with the proper citation, and a warrant tying the whole of the paragraph back to the thesis. Let the writer know how they did in this regard, be it good or bad.

Organization, structure and/or paragraphing Effective paragraphs for this assignment will contain several elements: a topic statement making clear what is being presented in support of the thesis, some general discussion/explanation of the role played by the element being examined, a specific example or two from your research showing how that element is supported by others who are at least somewhat expert in the field, a proper citation for the source material and some explanation making it clear how the material of the paragraph supports and develops the claim of the thesis (the warrant). The fundamental concern here is that one point, and one point only, is fully developed in each paragraph. Let the writer know how they did in this regard.

Wording, Sentence Structure and Conventions of Standard American English Sentences should be intelligible upon first reading, nearly devoid of non-standard punctuation, spelling, word order, word choice and the like. Conventional concerns are MLA citation, double spacing, margins, headers, titles and the like. This is true of the in-text citations as well as the Works Cited page. The essay should be generally free of errors while exhibiting clear expression. Sentences are varied, with rhythm and emphasis appropriate to the meaning. Phrasing is often fluent, even graceful, and the sentences read well aloud. Offers accurate word choices, especially verbs and nouns, which are consistent, unambiguous, and sensitive to connotations. All citations and Works Cited entries follow MLA format.

Adequacy of response to assignment The essay should use a concept from chapter six or eight of UnSpun as a springboard to develop an argument of your choosing. The argument should make use of Aristotelian format, which means it must have an opposing view and its rebuttal, use at least four outside sources, two of which much be print/proquest and one of those must be from the last six months. The essay should provide a fresh perspective on the point being argued, must be developed to 1200 to 1500 words (four to five pages). There must be proper in-text citations, integration of the source material and a works cited page. Is the assignment completed as assigned? If there are any concerns, appraise the writer of them. If anything has been done particularly well in your mind, let the writer know.

Appropriateness of topic treatment for college reading audience Would any reasonably and thoughtfully educated person appreciate the manner in which the topic was addressed and the essay written? Ideally, the essay will be wholly engaging and entertaining to a somewhat well-read reader, providing a fresh, engaging and articulate take on the topic. Explain whether or not this is the case and if not, what might be done to remedy the situation. If they’ve done something you find engaging, let them know.