Do you move smoothly from one paragraph to
the next?
Supported Conclusions
Do you support your conclusions with solid
evidence - research data, examples, statistics?
Multimode Evidence
Do you have a good mix of evidence - quotes
from experts, scientific data, personal experiences, historical
examples?
Solidity
Do you have a solid introduction and
conclusion?
Authoritative
Have you explained your subject thoroughly?
(Don't assume that readers have more knowledge than they
actually do. Remember: You're familiar with the topic, but now
you've spend weeks on it. Just because something is now obvious
to you doesn't mean your readers will know what you're talking
about.)
Validity
Have you convinced your readers that your
thesis is valid?
Closing
Does your last paragraph successfully
summarize the entire paper and effectively "close" your
argument?
