5.3. Self-Assessment Techniques

Helps identify awkward phrasing, grammatical errors, and logical gaps.

Reading your essay aloud means you say the words out loud instead of just reading them silently. This technique helps you hear how your sentences sound. When you read aloud, you can spot phrases that feel strange or awkward, as well as grammatical mistakes where the structure of your sentences might not be correct. It also helps you find places where your argument might not flow logically, meaning that your ideas might not connect well together.

Think of reading your essay aloud like playing an instrument. Just as a musician listens to how each note sounds to make sure the melody is smooth, you listen to your writing to ensure it reads well and makes sense. If a note sounds off or the rhythm is awkward, you'll know to adjust it. Similarly, if a sentence feels clunky or hard to follow, you'll recognize it quickly when you read it aloud.

Systematically reviewing the essay against the learning objectives and essay components.

Using a checklist means you create a list of things to look for in your essay, based on the specific learning objectives and components that your essay should include. This could be checking if you have a clear thesis statement, whether your arguments are supported with evidence, or if you've connected all your ideas back to your main point. By systematically going through this list, you can ensure you've met all the requirements for a strong argumentative essay.

Using a checklist is like preparing for a camping trip. Before you go, you make a list of items you need, like a tent, food, and sleeping bags. As you pack, you check off each item to ensure you haven’t forgotten anything necessary. Similarly, when reviewing your essay, the checklist helps you ensure you’ve included all the essential components, so nothing 'essential' is left behind.

Highlighting different parts of the essay (thesis, topic sentences, evidence, analysis) to visually check for balance and completeness.

Color-coding involves using different colors to highlight various components of your essay, such as the thesis statement, topic sentences, pieces of evidence, and analysis. This visual technique allows you to quickly see if your essay is balanced in terms of content — for example, if you have enough evidence to support each argument or if some sections are stronger than others. It’s a great way to ensure that everything is equally developed.

Think of color-coding your essay like organizing a school folder with colored tabs for different subjects. Each color represents a subject (math, science, history, etc.), making it easy to find what you need quickly. By applying this logic to your essay, you can quickly see if you have a strong 'math' or 'science' section (argument) compared to others, ensuring that your overall essay is well-rounded and complete.

Asking oneself questions like: 'Have I fully answered the prompt?', 'Is my argument convincing?', 'Have I considered all major opposing viewpoints?', 'What is the single most important message I want my reader to take away?'

Reflective questions are personal questions you ask yourself about your essay to ensure you consider all aspects of your argument. Asking questions like 'Have I fully answered the prompt?' helps you check if you’ve addressed what was asked in the assignment. Questions about the persuasiveness of your argument and whether you've considered opposing views encourage deeper thinking about the effectiveness and balance of your essay. Lastly, pondering your main message can help you clarify your central point.

Using reflective questions is like preparing for a big exam. Before going into the exam room, you might ask yourself if you've reviewed all the material and whether you’re confident in your understanding of different topics. Likewise, these questions help you ensure you’re fully prepared and that your essay is comprehensive and well-prepared for 'evaluation' by your reader.

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