Self-Review Worksheet: Rhetorical Analysis
Name: Date:
Instructions: Turn this in with your essay after giving yourself a thoughtful, specific review. Your responses will be
graded for thoroughness. Use yes/no answers when appropriate and add comments or examples when
prompted ( ) look for this symbol. This worksheet must be filled out completely and a hard copy turned
in the 1st day after class that your essay is due in order to get credit. 25pts.
1. What is the Title?
Is your title interesting and informative? Yes No
Why or why not?
How does the title reflect the essay’s focus and stance?
2. Introduction & Thesis
Where is the thesis statement located? (ex. First line of my essay)
What is the thesis statement? (write the entire thesis statement here)
How does the thesis make an insightful claim about your use of rhetorical strategies (appeals, tone, style,
etc.)?
After re-reading the full essay, does the thesis accurately encompass all the points made? Why or why
not? (Comments should be made on thesis strengths or suggestions for improvement):
3. Argument, Evidence & Analysis
Answer with yes or no for the following questions and then add comments. You are reviewing all of your
body paragraphs
Do the paragraphs have clear topic sentences that tie back to the thesis? Yes No
Are there sufficient direct examples (quotes, paraphrases) from the text? Yes No
Do you effectively explain how these examples support the analysis? Yes No
Are transitions between paragraphs smooth and logical? Yes No
List three of the transition words used in your essay:
1.
2.
3.
What are the strong points or areas needing more support or explanation:
4. Persuasion & Depth of Analysis of entire essay
Make sure to answer all of these completely.
Where is the analysis most convincing or insightful?
Which part of your analysis is less convincing or in need of more evidence?
How did you make your argument more compelling?
5. Organization & Development
Is there a clear introduction, well-developed body paragraphs, and a conclusion? Yes No
Does the introduction set up the argument effectively? Yes No
Identify one body paragraph that works well—what makes it strong?
Paragraph # __________________
Identify one body paragraph that could be improved—what would help?
Paragraph # __________________
6. Grammar, Style & Mechanics (be very specific and included examples from YOUR essay)
How did you correct grammar, punctuation, or word choice issues that distract from the analysis?
How did you make the writing style clear and appropriate for an academic essay?
What improvements did you make to any mechanical errors?
What mechanical issues do you usually struggle with?
7. Final Thoughts
What is one main area that you focused on to improve the draft most effectively?