1. Understanding the Question

• Have I underlined key terms in the question?
• Do I know what the task word asks me to do (compare, evaluate, critically discuss, etc.)?
• Have I clarified the scope — what is in and what is out?

2. Thesis & Planning

• Do I have a clear central argument (thesis) that answers the question directly?
• Have I drafted a simple outline of main points (with evidence) before writing?
• Does each point connect back to my thesis?

3. Structure

• Introduction
  • Does it set context and define terms (if needed)?
  • Does it state my thesis and roadmap the essay?
• Body Paragraphs
  • Does each paragraph have one clear idea?
  • Does each begin with a topic sentence and end by linking to the thesis?
  • Is evidence followed by my own analysis, not just description?
• Conclusion
  • Does it summarize the argument and answer the question?
  • Does it avoid introducing new points?

4. Evidence & Analysis

• Have I used specific, relevant evidence (quotations, data, examples)?
• Have I explained why the evidence matters, not just stated it?
• Have I considered counterarguments or limitations?

5. Style & Language

• Am I writing clearly, without unnecessary jargon?
• Are sentences concise and precise?
• Do transitions guide the reader logically from point to point?

6. Originality & Depth

• Have I gone beyond summary to critically engage with ideas?
• Is my essay showing insight or perspective, not just repeating lecture notes?
• Have I chosen depth (strong arguments) over breadth (too many weak points)?

7. Revision & Proofreading

• Does every paragraph earn its place in answering the question?
• Have I cut repetition and irrelevant material?
• Have I checked grammar, spelling, and punctuation carefully?

8. Referencing

• Have I cited all sources correctly in the required style (MLA/APA/Chicago/etc.)?
• Is the bibliography/works cited complete and accurate?
• Have I avoided plagiarism by paraphrasing and quoting responsibly?

Here are some common criticism-style points from Oxford University tutorial writing guides:

• “If your essay spends more time describing than analysing, then you’re losing marks.”
• “Quotes and evidence are useless unless you explain why they matter — what they show, what they imply, what their limits are.”
• “Don’t just stack up what other people have said — make your own voice heard.”
• “If your paragraphs drift off the question, you lose coherence, and coherence is what ties the whole argument together.”
• “It’s not enough to state a fact — you must tie it back to the thesis and show how it contributes to answering the question.”
• “Weak introductions often fail to define main terms or to lay out exactly what the argument is. That confuses the reader.”
• “Conclusions that simply repeat the introduction point by point are wasted opportunities; the conclusion should draw together, illuminate, perhaps even complicate what’s been argued, not just summarise.”