A clearly stated thesis of your argument.

A thesis that is developed throughout your essay by connecting specific examples to your overall thesis and by explaining their relevance to the thesis with clear reasoning.

Addresses the complexities and implications of your essay’s position (for example, by identifying and addressing one or more potential counterarguments)

Clearly state a position on the issue before you and to analyze the relationship between that position and one or more of the other perspectives.

Develop and support ideas with reasoning and examples.

Organize ideas clearly and logically.

Communicate your ideas using clear and effectively chosen language.

Which perspective(s) do you find most compelling?

What relevant insights do you see in the perspectives?

What principles or values do you see at work in the perspectives?

What strengths and weaknesses can you identify in the perspectives?

What knowledge do you already have on the issue?

• Consider things you’ve read or heard, including things you’ve learned at home or at school.

What values influence your position on the issue?

• Consider your worldview or belief system as well as any guiding principles or convictions you hold.

What experiences do you have that might be relevant to this issue?

• Consider any personal experience that you might have with this or similar issues, or other relevant lessons learned from your own life