Analytic Essay Checklist

Mr. Rose

Essay Title: Compare and Contrast Essay

Essay Author: Rania Dehy Peer Editor: Jad Elhoussayni

Part of Essay Component Not Yet Starting to Yes!

Introduction Hook X
Starts with a hook sentence that mentions
the titles, authors, and a relevant theme
shared by both stories.

Background Information X
Gives 3-5 sentences of relevant
background information on the text.

Thesis Statement X
Ends with a ONE SENTENCE thesis
statement that clearly states ONE
ARGUMENT about BOTH texts. This
argument should make it clear whether
the two texts are being compared or
contrasted.

Body Paragraphs Topic Sentence X

(complete this Each body paragraph starts with a topic
checklist for each sentence that gives ONE supporting
body paragraph, ARGUMENT that clearly supports the
using the number thesis statement.
of the paragraph
in the boxes)

Evidence-Analysis Chunk #1 X
Next, introduces evidence in the form of
a quotation RELATED to the TOPIC
SENTENCE.

Quotation starts with a quote set-up that X

provides context and ends with correct
MLA page citation.

Next, provides 2-3 sentences of focused X

analysis that convincingly explains the
quote and relates it back to the topic
sentence and thesis.

Evidence-Analysis Chunk #2 X
 Next, introduces another piece of
evidence in the form of a quotation
related to the TOPIC SENTENCE.

Quotation starts with a quote set-up that X

provides context and ends with correct
MLA page citation.

Next, provides 2-3 sentences of focused X

analysis that convincingly explains the
quote and relates it back to the topic
sentence and thesis. It should also build
on the first evidence-analysis chunk.

Concluding/Transition Sentence X
Concluding/Transition Sentence wraps up
the paragraph with a final thought and
sets up the idea in the next paragraph.

Conclusion Restates the thesis in a fresh and engaging X

way.

Powerfully closes the essay by relating X

the topic to the reader’s life and/or the
real world with an anecdote.

Overall

Consistently X
follows a point-
by-point or text-
by-text structure
for the entire body
of the essay

Has a balance X
between both texts
(even number of
body paragraphs)
and does not
attempt to address
both texts in one
body paragraph.

There is a clear
relationship
between the
discussion of both
texts. It does NOT
read like two
different essays
about two
different texts.