The purpose of an essay is to communicate a clear idea or perspective (your thesis) about your subject. The content should explain, illustrate, or support this thesis in a logical progression, with key points forming a solid structure filled in with specific details and examples. Use the following steps to evaluate and refine your draft:
- Identify Your Thesis
Read your draft carefully. At the top of the paper, write your main idea (thesis) as specifically as possible.
- Mark the Introduction
Draw a line across the page at the end of the essay’s introduction to separate it from the body.
- Analyze the Introduction
In the left margin, answer:
- S: What is the subject of the introduction? (What is it about?)
- P: What is the point of the introduction? (What is its significant point?)
- Assess Clarity of the Introduction
On a separate sheet, evaluate whether the subject and point of the introduction are clearly expressed. Explain your reasoning.
- Highlight Key Statements
On the original draft, box in any phrases or sentences that clearly state the subject and point of the introduction.
- Evaluate Each Section
Draw a line at the end of the next section of the essay. Summarize its subject and point in the margin, then repeat steps 4 and 5 for that section.
- Repeat for All Sections
Continue this process for each section of the essay, identifying the subject and point of each.
After identifying the subjects and points of each section, consider these questions to refine your essay:
- What contribution does each point make to the essay’s overall purpose?
- How does each section relate to the thesis statement? Are any sections disconnected from the thesis? If so, which ones?
- Are any points unclear and in need of better expression? Which ones?
- Are the points presented in the most effective order? Would transitions improve connections between sections?
