1. Companion Book Checklist
Directions: Make sure this draft illustrates everything that is in this checklist. Now that you are in 7th grade you need to become your own coach, and like the best coaches of basketball teams, you need to be a stickler with yourself. You need to be super tough. If you do something on the checklist, but only do it once or twice, will you check off “Yes!” and say, “I’m done!”? No Way! At least not if you want to do well on this essay!
Structure
Not Yet
Starting To
Yes!
Overall
I created a Companion Book that includes a title page, a table of contents (with catchy titles), an introduction, the 3 required chapters, and a conclusion.
Lead
I interested the reader in the topic with a strong hook (by explaining its significance or providing a compelling fact, statistic, or anecdote). I made it clear what the text will be about by giving a brief preview of each chapter.
Transitions
I used transitions to link concepts with related information. My transitions make it clear when information is an example of a bigger idea, is in addition to an earlier point, is introducing a new idea, or suggesting something is incorrect. I used transitions such as specifically, for instance, related to, just as, turning to, on the other hand, and however.
Ending
In the conclusion, I offer a final analysis of the book (either by restating the main points, responding to the main points, or highlighting the main points significance). I give a brief overall review of the book. And I end with a strong concluding statement.
Organization
I focused my writing on the chapters topic (ex. Chapter 1 focuses on theme, 2 on character development, and so on).
I organized each chapter into parts and used different structures to organize those parts.
In each chapter I use introductions, topic sentences, transitions, and graphics when needed, to highlight my main points.

2. Punctuation & Sentence Structure
Development
Not Yet
Starting To
Yes!
Elaboration
I included varied kinds of information (facts, direct quotes, paraphrased examples, & definitions) to support my main ideas in each chapter.
I used at least one direct quotation in each chapter (and properly cited it).
I made my topic fascinating and understandable. I explained why this book was important and why the audience should care about it.
Craft
I used words purposely to affect meaning and tone.
I chose precise words and used metaphors, anecdotes, imagery, or comparisons to explain what I mean.
I include domain specific, technical vocabulary, and define these terms so the reader understands them (ex. Narrator, protagonist, resolution, etc.)
I used an excited tone, but varied it appropriately to engage the reader.
Conventions
Spelling
I checked spelling of technical, domain-specific words and was careful with the spelling of direct quotations.
Punctuation & Sentence Structure
I varied my sentence structure, sometimes using simple, sometimes complex sentence structure.
I used internal punctuation appropriately within sentences (commas, semi-colons, etc.) and when using direct quotations I cited them properly (quotation marks, commas, ellipses, etc.)