Theme Check Sheet

1. Is the thesis sentence clearly stated?   .......with an attitude?
2. Is the first sentence of each paragraph indented?
3. Outline
   1. Does the outline communicate order between ideas?
   2. Is outline structure correctly used?
   3. Is the outline parallel?
4. Introduction
   1. Does the introduction get the reader/s attention?
   2. Does the introduction involve the reader?
   3. Does the introduction include the thesis sentences?
5. Development
   1. Does each paragraph have a topic sentence?
   2. Are supporting ideas sufficient?
   3. Are details specific?
   4. Does one idea have continuity with the next?
6. Transitions
   1. Does the theme have good transitions as a whole?
   2. Does each paragraph have good transitions?
7. Conclusions
   1. Does the conclusion avoid presenting a new idea?
   2. Does the conclusion signal the ending for the reader?
   3. Does the conclusion wrap up, condense and summarize?
8. Mechanics: Errors in ...    
   1. Spelling   
   2. Sentence structure
   3. Punctuation
   4. Word choice
9. Subject matter: Was the theme rational, worth reading, informative, imaginative or thought provoking?
10. Title
    1. Is the title creative?
    2. Does it reflect the content of the theme?

Anastasia Lankford
Marilyn Lendvay
Learning Assistance Center
Eastfield College