1. Thesis
Does the thesis statement outline an argument or is it only a topic (is it a “complete sentence,” not just a “subject”)?
Is the thesis narrow enough? How could it be made more specific?
Could several separate topics be consolidated into one thesis?
How well does the statement of the thesis in the introduction correspond with what is argues in the body of the essay?
Does the title of the essay give us a good idea of what the thesis will be?
2. Organization
What principle of organization is being used?
Do the many points (paragraphs) of the essay build on each other logically? Is there a step-by-step progression?
Are the transitions between paragraphs smooth? Can you suggest improved transitions?
Is this the best organization for proving the thesis? If not, suggest ways to reorganize the arguments and evidence of the essay.
Is there a conclusion? Is the conclusion more than a mere summary?
If the conclusion is a summary, make a suggestion for a stronger conclusion.
3. Arguments
Are the arguments on behalf of the thesis persuasive?
Are there other arguments that would support it?
Does the essay provide sufficient evidence (textual and otherwise) to prove its argument?
Could any further textual evidence be added to support one or more of the arguments?
Is each piece of textual evidence adequately explained (2-3 sentences explaining why the textual evidence is in fact “evidence” for the claims of the thesis)?
Does the argument account for as much of the text (i.e. the play) as possible?
What counter-arguments might you raise against the argument of this essay?
Are the arguments coherent? In other words, are the parts of the essay related to one another and not just to the general thesis?
Make a “to-do” list for the author of the essay and circle the item which is most important for improvement.