Make a thorough review of your causal analysis essay in an effort to highlight problem areas that you can focus on when you edit your next paper. Make a list of at least three kinds of errors or areas needing improvement. Look especially for the following elements:
1. Expository structure
a. Clear thesis and essay map: each
point in essay map a "cause" or "effect"?
b. Effective introduction and thesis
c. Specific topic sentences for body paragraphs: each main
topic a "cause" or "effect"?
d. Full development of main points and subordinate points: at
least one main point subdivided and developed in
separate paragraphs.
e. Specific examples and details where appropriate
2. Sentence structure and punctuation
a. Conventional use of commas and semicolons
(particularly with independent clauses), as well as colons
if appropriate
b. Comma splices
c. Sentence fragments
d. Fused (run-on) sentences
e. Awkward constructions
3. Grammar, spelling, and related elements
a. Agreement of pronouns and antecedents:
Everyone should open his or her [not "their"] book. /
The students liked their [not
"his or her"] new classroom. / etc.
b. Agreement of subjects and verbs: The flight of the birds
was [not "were"] beautiful to watch. / There are
[not "There is"] many
restaurants in town. / etc.
c. Plural and possessive forms: one boy's [not
"boys"] cap / Sports [not "Sport's"] are popular on TV. /
etc.
Submit a copy of your list to the professor at the end of class.
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