Attributes of a Good Analytical Paper
• Main point
• Strong supporting evidence
• Clear organization
• Coherence
• Sentence structure, grammar, word choice, and spelling
To think further about each of these attributes, review your paper and consider the questions below:
A good paper has a main point . . .
• Is there one main point?
• Is there a thesis sentence at the end of an introduction?
• Does the thesis sentence go beyond summary and show analysis?
• Is the thesis sentence worded in a thoughtful and interesting way?
It should have strong supporting evidence . . .
• Is there strong supporting evidence in the essay?
• Is support integrated into the body paragraphs?
• Are direct quotes and good paraphrases used that avoid accidental plagiarism?
• Are dropped-in, full-sentence direct quotes avoided?
• Are multiple quotes and paraphrases used in each body paragraph for support?
• Are quotes and paraphrases commented on so they support the point?
It should be organized clearly . . .
• Is the organization clear?
• Does it avoid a formulaic list?
• If appropriate, does it use a rhetorical pattern, such as a comparison/contrast or a classification?
• Is paragraphing carefully wrought?
It should cohere . . .
• Is there a main point that it sticks to from start to finish?
• Are the introduction and conclusion strong and engaging?
• Are topic sentences concluding sentences used in body paragraphs?
• Are transitions used that are subtle and not boring?
• Where appropriate, does the introduction include a brief summary of the article(s) being analyzed?
It should have good mechanics . . .
• Is there sentence variety and correctness?
• Is the grammar correct throughout?
• Are words chosen well?
• Is spelling perfect?