1. EXPOSITORY RATIOCINATION 1.Circle all first words of each sentence 2.Highlight every other sentence to make sure you have different lengths 3.Place a star next to your thesis 4.Underline all transitions – minimum of 5, use the transition links on the stream 5.Do your examples fully explain your reasons

2. RATIOCINATION CONTINUED 6.Check all your conventions (grammar, spelling, and punctuation) 7.Word variety – is it there? How many times have you repeated the same word or phrase throughout your essay? Look through your entire paper and try to use synonyms or restate your ideas, like your thesis, in other ways. 8.How many Membean/upper level vocabulary words do you have? Try to have at least three. 3 9.Non-negotiable (naughty words) list…make sure you don’t use baby words such as: good, a lot, great, nice.

3. 10.If using a book or movie title, underline it. 11.Double check those verbs. How many be verbs or helping verbs (is, am, are, was, were) do you have? Try to switch them out for strong verbs. 12.Read the conclusion. Is it thoughtful? Does it close out your essay concisely?