As you write and rewrite each section of your paper, keep the following questions in mind:

• Have I clearly introduced my theme?

• Am I following my writing outline? Do I need to rearrange any parts of my outline?
• Does each section of my outline add some new point or evidence for my theme?
• Am I staying on track and not wandering away from my theme?
• Does what I am saying belong in this part of my paper? Should it come earlier? Should it come later?
• Have I included any counterevidence in my paper? Have I explained why I have not been persuaded by this evidence?
• Does each section of my paper follow logically from the one before it?
• Have I included a footnote or an endnote for each quote or paraphrase? Answer this question from the point of view of average readers. Will they feel that you have supported your most important and controversial points?
• Does my conclusion accurately sum up the most important evidence in my paper?
• Is my conclusion justified by that evidence?