1. Essay Checklist for Peer Review
Where You Should Focus

2. Major Components Thesis
Author’s Name
A – (the pattern is clear and specific)
“Wart” is not a pattern.
“Wart’s educational animal adventures” is a pattern.
B – (theme)
Begins with the topic being discussed (leadership/education)
Is specific and logical to the text. Makes sense as a message from White.
Because Statement
Logically explains the theme. This should not be an EXTENSION of the theme.
It should explain WHY that theme is true within the text.

3. Major Components Topic Sentence
Focuses on a specific scene in the text.
Mirrors the concept of the theme using the specific scene.
Does NOT repeat the theme abstractly.
Uses the word leadership/education or some variation somewhere in the sentence.

4. Major Components Paragraphs
Begins with topic sentence (must be first sentence.
Next 2-3 sentences should be context sentences
What’s going on in the book at this point?
Where are we?
Chapter numbers can help, but they aren’t the entire solution.
Paragraph should weave back and forth between Level 1, 2, 3. Never have huge chunks (3-4 sentences) of one level.
Topic should be mentioned throughout the paragraph (leadership or education) as part of level 2 and level 3 sentences.
Must, must, must close on level 3.
Check Quotation formatting. ONLY words and phrases.