Writing Philosophy Essays: Checklist of Questions
| 1. Introduction | 2. Philosophy Essay Topics | 3. What do I do in a Philosophy Essay? |
| 4. Researching Your Essay | 5. Writing Your Essay | 6. Plagiarism and Originality |
| 7. Quotations, Footnotes, Endnotes and Bibliography | 8. Presentation of Essays | 9. Seeking Advice |
| 10. A Bit on Philosophy Exams | 11. Checklist of Questions |
- Do I understand the essay question? Do I know when the essay isdue?
- Do I know which texts to consult? Do I know where to find them?
- Have I made useful notes from my reading of the relevant texts?
- Have I made a plan of how I'll approach the question in my essay?
- Have I given myself enough time to draft and redraft my essay?
- Have I written a clearly structured essay? Is it clear what each stageis doing? Do I do what I say I'll do in my Introduction?
- Have I clearly distinguished exposition and criticaldiscussion? Have I given a fair and accurate account of the author(s) inquestion?
- Is my response to the topic relevant? Do I answer the question?Have I kept my essay within the general bounds of the topic?
- Have I displayed a good grasp of the vocabulary of logical argument? Are my arguments logically valid and sound? Are my claims supported by reasons? Am I consistent within my essay?
- Is my English expression clear and precise? Are my grammar,punctuation and spelling correct? Have I said what I meant to say? Is my writing legible?
- Have I fully acknowledged all my sources in footnotes orendnotes? Are my quotations accurate? Have I included a bibliography?
- Do I need to revise any part of my essay again?
- Have I made a copy or photocopy of my essay for myself?
- Have I kept the receipt for my handed-in essay?