It's hard to write a good paper about a bad topic. That's why ... - English

(Research Paper Workshop Worksheet cont.)
9). Now, scour the essay for “complicating evidence”—or, in other words, evidence that
causes the author to reveal some complexity or contradiction or challenge to his/her
central argument. Does the author succeed in his/her analysis of the evidence? Might she
do more? Does she do too much? Do you see places in the essay where complicating
evidence seems absent? (In other words, where the author seems to be simplifying the
subject or avoiding pertinent evidence or questions? Or maybe he/she merely hasn’t
thought of a pertinent strain of evidence worth considering?) Explain below.
It’s time to think globally—about the logical structure that holds this essay together. As
we’ve talked about, essays should maintain a clear focus at the same time that they
develop the primary claim laid out in the thesis statement. And the essay should deepen
its primary claim—moving beyond the obvious as it does this. So:
10). Describe the logical flow of this essay. Using specific details, describe the ways in
which this essay does and/or does not move from one point to the next. Does each section
of the essay logically flow into the next? Does what you read in, say, paragraph 12
depend on the developed argument that comes before it? Offer suggestions and insights
here.