As you're working on your paper, consider the following questions, and then ask yourself "Have I done an excellent job here, a good job, a fair job, or a poor job?"

1. Introduction

• Is my introduction clear and concise?
• Have I stated the general topic of the paper?
• Does the introduction contain a thesis statement--a statement of the general conclusion(s) of the paper?
• Does the introduction contain a brief overview of the structure of the paper to follow?
  

2. Presentation of the argument or position to be considered

• Is the argument or position to be considered presented clearly?
• Are reasons given to support the position being defended (if applicable)?
• Is the argument of good logical form (if applicable)?
• Are reasons given to support the premises of the argument being considered (if applicable)?
  

3. Criticism

• Are my own arguments given clearly?
• Are my own arguments given clearly and in paragraphs that are separate from each other and from the argument or position being considered?
• Are my own arguments valid (or strong, if I'm giving an inductive argument)?
• Have I given reason to think the premises of my arguments are true?
• Is the best possible reply to the criticism considered?
  

4. Conclusion

• Have I summed things up briefly and clearly?
  

5. Overall structure and mechanics

• Does the paper have a clear overall structure?
• Is every word spelled correctly and used in its proper sense?
• Does the paper consist entirely of complete sentences?
• Are there any awkward sentences?
• Are all ideas that aren't my own (including not only direct quotations, but also paraphrases) cited using a proper format?