• Thesis statements- unclear, wordy argument, use of pronouns
• Over use of observation, paraphrasing and summarizing instead of critical analysis-lack of textual details, faulty assumptions
• Summarizing vs. analyzing-use of unnecessary (plot) details/ lack of critical thinking
• Use of qualitative observations based on generalizations vs. specificity, inability to use the text to form basis of argument or foundation of thought, oversimplification of concepts
• Misuse of figurative language and literary terms and significant terminology
• Failure to present opinions as claims and facts as evidence
• Inability to relate or properly analyze literary period or historical texts
• Ending paragraphs with questions vs. addressing issues in context of paragraph topic
• Introducing analysis too late in the paper to develop sufficiently
• Repetition because of “weak” vocabulary skills and limited comprehension
• Inaccuracy in identifying poetry lines, supporting shifts in symbolism with evidence
• Missing issues relevant to standard interpretations
• Inappropriate use of quotations and knowing when to paraphrase
• Plagiarism-failing to acknowledge sources accurately if at all
Nouns count/noncount, sing/plural forms
Prepositions by /of, in/at, to/at,
Articles the/a/an
Pronouns it/them, one/their, he/she/it- pronoun antecedents
Verbs tense, person/number subject agreement, use of contractions, passive voice
Adverbs overuse of dogmatic tone, conjunctive adverbs
Adjectives superlative/comparative, adjectival phrases/clauses/placement/structure
Conjunctions transition words
Active/passive voice
Semi-colon
Parenthesis, ellipsis, dashes
End marks inside quotations-exceptions
Paragraph length and topic sentences
Rules for quotation within quotation
Sentence construction
Correct citations
