Academic Skills Center

Study Skills: Self-Assessment Checklist for Effective Papers

Purpose

Why are you writing this? What are you attempting to achieve? Be certain that your purpose fits the assignment you have been given.

Audience
Who are your readers? Your audience should be appropriate for the assignment and purpose of your paper.

Thesis Statement

The main idea (subject) is the thesis of your paper. Your thesis should be stated clearly in a sentence or two. The thesis should state the subject of your paper and include an important point about the subject.

Introduction

The introduction should build interest and announce the topic of your paper.

Organization

• Does each paragraph have a central idea?
• Is that central idea communicated in a topic sentence?
• Does each paragraph contribute to the thesis statement?
• Does each paragraph lead logically to the next?
• Do your topic sentences provide you with a coherent outline if collected?

Development

Have you sufficiently supported your thesis? Have you used enough details, examples, specifics, supporting evidence, and information as your support? Do not be afraid to delete information you find no longer relevant or helpful to the reader. You may also need to add information to help reinforce your thesis and realize your purpose.

Paragraph Length

The paragraphs should be approximately the same length throughout the paper. Make sure longer paragraphs do not contain too much information and that shorter ones do not need more detail.

Transitions between sentences and paragraphs

Make sure that you have provided smooth transitions between paragraphs providing for an easy read.

Conclusion

The conclusion should help to put the paper as a whole in perspective and signal the approach of the end.