Explanatory Synthesis Checklist

Explanatory Synthesis Checklist

Introduction: provides essential information about the

article(s) and author(s); includes a focus sentence; lays out main

points to be covered later in the paper; indicates why

readers should care about the topic

Focus Sentence: is clear and precise; indicates writer’s synthesis

of sources’ information on the topic

Body: includes information from more than one source; explains

clearly and thoroughly each of the main ideas; presents information

in a helpful and logical way

Organization: follows an appropriate organizational

scheme (e.g. chronological, pro vs. con, least important

to most important, etc.)

Supporting information: contains quotations, paraphrases,

and examples from appropriate sources

Quotations: incorporates quotations by introducing them

smoothly and explaining/demonstrating their relevance

Paragraphs: start with a topic or transitional sentence;

contain only information relevant to the paragraph’s

main idea

Transitions: move the reader smoothly from one idea to

the next

Conclusion: presents final thoughts on the topic; reminds

readers of the most significant themes you have found and the

ways they connect to the overall topic

Citation: cites in correct MLA style, both in-text and in

the works cited page

Revising: shows significant improvement from the

rough draft to the final draft

Editing & Proofreading: demonstrates careful reading

and correcting of awkward sentences as well as grammar

and punctuation errors

*checklist adapted from rubric by:

Whalen, Lisa. “Sample Rubric for Informative/Explanatory Papers” Concordia, University of St. Paul. 14 Sept. 2007.