Pre-AP: World Literature and Composition

Workshop for Argumentative Essay

Readers: Read the entire essay through quickly before you make any comments. Then respond to the
questions on this sheet in addition to making comments and/or corrections on the draft.

Introduction Section

1. Does the introduction begin with a strong hook? If so, what is the strength of the hook? If not,
provide the writer with a specific suggestion for an attention-grabbing hook that would make you
want to read more of the essay.

2. How does the introduction describe the debate/issue to be discussed?

3. What type of background about topic is provided? Does more information (historical
background, current events, definitions of terminology, etc.) need to be included? If so, what type of
information is needed and why is it needed?

5. Underline the claim/thesis. Is the writers position and the reasons for that position clear?
Suggest revisions.

6. What is the most effective part of the introduction section? Explain why.
Reader #1 ___________________________________________
Body of the Essay

Use the checklist below to evaluate the strength of each body paragraph. If you notice that the body paragraphs
are lacking focus, evidence, or explanation, please make specific notes on the paper. If there are more body
paragraphs, use another piece of paper. **Please note if the writer has not addressed counterarguments. If
they havent, please indicate where they should do so and/or offer suggestions of what counterarguments they
should address.

Body Paragraph #1
YES NO SOMEWHAT
Is the basic point of the paragraph clear?
Does the paragraph clearly relate to the thesis?
Is there specific evidence used in the paragraph?
Is the paragraph effective?
Offer suggestions to improve the paragraph (e.g.
research, sentences, word choice, etc.).

Body Paragraph #2
YES NO SOMEWHAT
Is the basic point of the paragraph clear?
Does the paragraph clearly relate to the thesis?
Is there specific evidence used in the paragraph?
Is the paragraph effective?
Offer suggestions to improve the paragraph (e.g.
research, sentences, word choice, etc.).

Body Paragraph #3
YES NO SOMEWHAT
Is the basic point of the paragraph clear?
Does the paragraph clearly relate to the thesis?
Is there specific evidence used in the paragraph?
Is the paragraph effective?
Offer suggestions to improve the paragraph (e.g.
research, sentences, word choice, etc.).

Body Paragraph #4
YES NO SOMEWHAT
Is the basic point of the paragraph clear?
Does the paragraph clearly relate to the thesis?
Is there specific evidence used in the paragraph?
Is the paragraph effective?
Offer suggestions to improve the paragraph (e.g.
research, sentences, word choice, etc.).

Body Paragraph #5
YES NO SOMEWHAT
Is the basic point of the paragraph clear?
Does the paragraph clearly relate to the thesis?
Is there specific evidence used in the paragraph?
Is the paragraph effective?
Offer suggestions to improve the paragraph (e.g.
research, sentences, word choice, etc.).
Reader #2 ___________________________________________
 Organization

1. Arguments must be based on careful organization. Review the writers argument first: read the
underlined claim/thesis (the writers position) and then label the writers
reasons/solutions in support of the claim/thesis (Reason 1, Reason 2, etc.) in the margins.
Circle any words that seem vague or need further definition.

2. Evaluate the writers organization. Are the writers arguments presented in a logical order?
Does the writers argument build to a strong conclusion? Can you suggest a stronger
arrangement? Make suggestions for improvement in the space provided below, referring to
paragraphs by number.

3. Argument demands that the writer make an effort to present himself or herself as worthy
of the reader's trust and respect (an appeal to character). Does the writer strike you as
someone knowledgeable about the debate/issue discussed? If you found this essay as a
source, would you consider it reliable? Please explain in detail where/why the writers efforts
have succeededor not succeeded.

4. After studying the writers argument, has the writer succeeded in convincing (changing his
or her mind and/or encouraging him or her to take action) his or her audience? Why or why
not? Please give the writer some specific ideas on how to improve this on the back page of the
essay.

5. What do you consider the essay's major strength so far? What area do you suggest the writer
revise first?

Reader #3 ___________________________________________