Essay checklist

By the end of the week, you should be able to hand in an excellent product; after all, you've had a month to study the topic, organise and understand the readings, get help with the assignment, and write a rough draft (or two). Remember: you may use the document booklet, class notes and the handouts you've received. You may also use any information from the links that I've provided about urbanisation, megacities, or slums.

Feel free to include a cover page with a title, an illustration, your name, the date, and your group number.

You may use this in your introduction - and alter as you see fit:

Rapid urbanisation causes a variety of problems in developing countries.
or
Rapid urbanisation in developing countries has many positive benefits.

This checklist should help.

HAVE YOU:
(Introduction)
- defined and discussed urbanisation?
- explained briefly what is a developing country?
- a clearly stated position?
- backed your position with three main arguments - that are not overlapping or repetitive?

(Developing paragraphs)
- a strong topic sentence which opens each paragraph?
- made sure that each paragraph stays on topic (if it's about the environment, don't write about women's health)?
- made sure to put as much into your own words?
- used quotation marks when you've used word-for-word quotes?
- provided about three supporting facts or details for each argument?
- used statistics, facts, details, authoritative opinion as support?
- referred to conditions in urban areas in developing countries?

You can't write this essay without referring to a city, a region, a developing country by name. Provide examples.

(Conclusion)
- restated your position?
- summarised or reiterated your main arguments?
- closed your essay?

(Editing)
- checked spelling, grammar, usage, punctuation?
- written proper sentences?

Please make sure that your work does not plagiarise the writings of others, including that of your fellow students. It's just not worth it.