RESEARCH ESSAY
FIRST DRAFT EVALUATION
The draft of your research essay draft will examine only issues directly related to effective presentation of your findings. It will not include the correction of mechanical errors – spelling, grammar, diction, punctuation (although the instructor might note a consistent problem, such as the misuse of "it's" to indicate possession) – but only a preliminary evaluation of the adequacy / accuracy of the author's underlying argument and of the author's chosen resources.
The following criteria outline what
a well-written, well-reasoned and well-documented research essay should include.
Use these criteria in your own evaluation of your draft.
INTRODUCTION
Incorporates a thesis statement
Outlines and anticipates both content and structure to follow in the body of the essay
Organizes and structures supporting evidence appropriately
Balances generalizations and appropriate specific supporting examples and illustrations
Incorporates appropriate and adequate annotation crediting sources of information and supporting examples
Reviews content anticipated in the introduction and findings illustrated and supported in the body of the essay
Utilizes a consistent citation format
throughout, accurately and fully including all relevant information required
The degree to which sources for supporting illustrations and examples are fully and clearly indicated in accompanying documentation (notes and bibliography); and to which adequate and correctly formatted annotation is incorporated in the essay itself for anything beyond "common knowledge".
The degree to which the essay itself
is appropriately formatted and incorporates a properly-prepared cover sheet.