If you can confidently answer yes to the following, your essay is probably in fairly good shape.
1. Does my essay have a real title?
2. Does my essay have an identifiable "controlling idea or thesis" clearly stated in the first or second paragraph?
3. Are most of my paragraphs between 5 and 12 sentences long?
4. Does my essay introduce quoted material at the top half of the paragraphs? Do I "unpack" the quotation to tie it to my central idea?
5. Does my essay have smooth transitions between paragraphs?
6. Does my essay keep the "I" or first-person voice in check? (This doesn't mean it needs to be absent, it means that it shouldn't take over.)
7. Does my essay incorporate at least three cited sources? Are they correct? Check Purdue's OWL.
8. Have I thought about cutting paragraphs entirely or adding new paragraphs?
9. Have I carefully proofread my essay?
10. Have I shown my essay to someone else for genuine critique and advice?
11. Do I like my essay? Am I proud to show it to my classmates?
12. Would someone reading my essay want to read more by or about James Baldwin?
13. Have I successfully uploaded my essay to Populi no later than 9:00 am (10:00 am for section 2) on Nov. 2?
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