Baseline SOL Essay Self-Edit

Introduction -- The Hook Circle the hook on you paper. Write down what type of hook you used in the margin next to the hook. In the margin give yourself a score for the hook on a scale of 0 – 10 in terms of being interesting and well written. Zero if you don’t have one or you used the prompt as your hook. One is dull, 10 is a thriller.

Introduction – the Transition Underline your transition. Give yourself a score for the transition in the margin. Zero – the transition is missing One is poor, 10 is I’m a professional writer.

Introduction – the Counter claim Circle the counter claim. Deduct 10 points in the margin if you do not have a counter claim.

Introduction - Thesis Do you take a firm position on one side of the topic or another? If so, give yourself 2 point in the margin. Do you have 3 parts to your thesis? If so, give yourself 3 points.

Body paragraphs Look at each body paragraph and mark the points you earn in the margin. You earn one point for each body paragraph that begins with a transition. You get one point for each body paragraph that begins with a topic sentence that relates to the correct part of the thesis. You get 3 points for each body paragraph that ends with a concluding sentence.

Conclusion Give yourself 1 point in the margin if you begin your conclusion with a transition. Give yourself 5 point if you restate your thesis (no points if you just copy the same words or very similar words as the thesis in the introduction). Give yourself 5 points if you have a prediction. Give yourself 5 points if you have a call to action.

Dead writing habits Circle ever dead writing habit. Count up the number and divide it by two. Deduct that number in your margin.

Grammar, spelling and Mechanics Circle all punctuation, spelling, grammar or other mechanical mistakes. In the margin, deduct one half point for each error.

Add up your total points

How’d you do? 50 – 45 Way to go! 44 – 40 Okay, you can do it! Keep at it. 35 – 39 I believe in you. Hard work pays off. 30 – 34 Focus and work hard. You will get there. Below 30 There’s always next time, and you will get better! Work hard!