Thesis.  Does your thesis address the assignment? Is it clear? Is it specific? Is is provocative, or does it state the obvious?

Argument/Structure.  Does each paragraph relate back to the thesis. Are the topic sentences clear?  Are the paragraphs arranged in a logical order? Are there transitions between paragraphs?

Paragraph Structure.  Is the idea stated in the topic sentence developed?  Is there strong evidence to support the idea?  Do you analyze rather than summarize?

Conclusion. Is there a logical conclusion that sums up the argument laid out in the paper?  Does it relate to the introductory paragraph?

Sentence Structure. Are the sentences grammatically sound?  Do you vary sentence structure to make the paper interesting to read (e.g., long versus short sentences; sentences started with the subject versus sentences started with an introductory clause).  Are there recurring problems with grammar, punctuation, or word choice?
 

Use these guidelines to review your paper before visiting a writing consultant.  Be prepared to give the consultant your assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of your paper.  If the consultant can read the paper with your concerns in mind, the session will be much more productive.