5 Paragraph Essay Checklist

Does the length of the paper meet assignment expectations?

Does the introduction have an interesting hook?
Does the introduction provide an appropriate amount of background information?
Does the introduction contain the title of the book in italics?
Does the introduction contain the author’s full name?
 Does the introduction have a clear thesis?

Is the thesis clear, specific, arguable and compelling?
Does the thesis make a claim that is not obvious?
Does the thesis answer the prompt?
 If required, is the thesis a split thesis?

 Does the topic sentence reflect the contents of the paragraph?
Are there two quotations or two concrete details?
 Are the quotations embedded and artfully woven into a sentence?
Are brackets used if tense and pronouns are changed?
Is the phrase “This shows that” eliminated?
 Does the commentary thoroughly analyze and explain the quote and its connection to the topic sentence?
Do smooth, effective transitions help the reader shift between ideas?
 Does the paragraph follow this structure: TS, CD, CM, CM, CD, CM, CM, CS?

 Does the topic sentence reflect the contents of the paragraph?
Are there two quotations or two concrete details?
 Are the quotations embedded and artfully woven into a sentence?
Are brackets used if tense and pronouns are changed?
Is the phrase “This shows that” eliminated?
 Does the commentary thoroughly analyze and explain the quote and its connection to the topic sentence?
Do smooth, effective transitions help the reader shift between ideas?
 Does the paragraph follow this structure: TS, CD, CM, CM, CD, CM, CM, CS?

 Does the topic sentence reflect the contents of the paragraph?
Are there two quotations or two concrete details?
 Are the quotations embedded and artfully woven into a sentence?
Are brackets used if tense and pronouns are changed?
Is the phrase “This shows that” eliminated?
 Does the commentary thoroughly analyze and explain the quote and its connection to the topic sentence?
Do smooth, effective transitions help the reader shift between ideas?
 Does the paragraph follow this structure: TS, CD, CM, CM, CD, CM, CM, CS?

Does the writer restate the thesis?
Does the conclusion do a good job of “concluding” the paper?
Does the conclusion provide a clear final impression for the reader?
Is the conclusion between 5-8 sentences?

Is there parenthetical citation following every quote in this form: (Smith 179).
Are quotes artfully woven into the sentences?

Is language expressive, fluid, unique, engaging and thought-provoking?
Is word choice elevated, and does it enhance clarity?

Are sentences complete – no sentence fragments?
Does the author show skillful use of sentence variety?
Are grammatical errors eliminated?
Does the essay have correct punctuation?
Does the essay have correct capitalization and spelling?

Is the correct MLA heading on the left side of the page?
Are 12 point font, 1 inch margins and black ink used?
Is the essay double spaced throughout?
Is a creative, original title centered and in 12 point font?
Is title capitalization used, free of quotation marks, bold, italics, and underline?
Is the essay author’s last name and page number in the upper right corner of each page?