What is the essay’s thesis? Is it explicit or implied? How could the thesis be stated more effectively? Does it have a Rogerian thesis, which states the opposing view first and then the author’s argument and position? Is the Rogerian theory used in the essay? Does the essay mention the opposing viewpoint along with an unbiased restatement of that view and enough detail to show the reader both sides of the issue? If not, what does the author need to add for support?

What purpose does the essay serve—to inform, to evaluate, to persuade readers to accept a viewpoint, to eliminate misconceptions, or to call them to action?

What are the main points supporting the thesis? List the points. Is each supporting point developed sufficiently in the body paragraphs? If not, where is more support needed? Which points, subject, or paragraphs need more support?

Does the essay have Logos? Is it a sound, reasonable, logical argument, which is supported by facts, statistics etc.? If not, what does the author need to add?

Does the essay use Pathos? Do they use it well and is it effective? Or over-the-top? Is it appropriate for the audience? If not, what do they need to do?

Does the essay show Ethos? Is the author reliable and credible? If not, tell the author what they need to add into their essay or take out, which help make them more credible.

Does each paragraph have a topic sentence that tells the reader what point will be talked about next. If not, point out where they were weak and offer a suggestion.

Where would signal devices (also, likewise, in contrast) make it easier to see similarities and differences between the subjects being discussed?

Are there transitions within the topic sentences? Are they redundant or confusing? If so, where and how should they fix them?

What is the tone? Does the essay come off as condescending, sexist, or racist? If so, which sentences and words convey this tone? Offer suggestions on how to adjust the tone of the essay.

Could the Introduction or Conclusion paragraphs be strengthened? If so, what is your suggestion? Is there an anecdote, fact, or statistic in the paper that could be moved to the conclusion?

Did you notice glaring misspellings, misplaced modifiers, fragments, run-ons, or punctuation mistakes? If so, circle them on their essay.

What are some of the strengths of this essay? What did this author do well?

What is a thesis? • The thesis is a statement (usually a single sentence) that expresses the central idea or main argument of the

essay and reflects the writer’s purpose for writing it.

• It typically appears at the end of the introduction as the last sentence (though it may appear elsewhere).

• The thesis may be implied or explicitly stated, but it should always be evident to the reader.

• The thesis may differ in form depending on the type of writing (argumentative, persuasive, informative,

narrative, etc.).

• The thesis should be restated in a new and interesting way in the conclusion.

Explicit vs. Implied • An explicit thesis directly states the writer’s main idea/position and provides a clear direction for the essay.

 Example: The most significant problems facing Africa are poverty, political corruption, and poor

healthcare.

• An implied thesis is not directly stated, but rather suggested through the writer’s ideas and supporting

points. Nonetheless, it should still provide an obvious focus for the reader.

 Example: There are several serious problems facing Africa today that require attention.

Parts of a thesis (claim + road map): • Claim or main idea: This part states the main idea of the essay.

 Example: Being a vegetarian is better than eating meat . . .

• Road map: This part lists the major supporting reason(s) discussed in the body of the essay. Note

that not all instructors require this part; always consult your professor’s instructions.

 Example: . . . because it is healthier, less expensive, and doesn’t harm animals.

• Claim + Road Map = Entire Thesis Statement

 Example: Being a vegetarian is better than eating meat because it is healthier, less expensive,

and doesn’t harm animals.

Things to Avoid • Don’t announce your thesis: In this essay, I am going to tell you about vegetarianism and why everyone

should adopt this lifestyle.

 Note: Some instructors may, however, encourage this type of first-person statement; always refer

to your professor’s instructions.

• Don’t confuse your readers: The thesis should be clear and focus on ONE main idea.

• Don’t write the thesis as a fact: This doesn’t allow the writer to develop their ideas or prove anything

because the statement is already factual and does not require additional explanation.

• Don’t write the thesis as a question: This allows readers, rather than the writer, to determine the meaning

of the essay. For example, Don’t you think eating meat is inhumane? may be more effectively restated as

Eating meat is inhumane because . . .

Types of Thesis Statements

The purpose and form of a thesis may depend on the genre of writing.

Argumentative Thesis

• The argumentative thesis takes a clear position on a debatable issue/topic and suggests or states the

supporting reason(s) for that stance, which will be discussed further in the body of the essay.

 Example: A vegetarian diet is better than a diet that includes meat because a vegetarian diet is

healthier, less expensive, and more humane toward animals.

that his long years of service outweigh any faults he may have had.

he wanted to be remembered for the good things he did, one of those being when he gave up office so others would follow suit, but george washington wasn’t a man who thought he was perfect, he knew he made mistakes. he was a very talented soldier with a natural gift of tactic.