General Understanding
* What is the main topic of the essay? Can you summarize it in a sentence or two?
* What is the author's main argument or thesis statement? This is the central claim the essay is trying to prove.
* What is the essay's purpose? Is it to inform, persuade, entertain, or analyze?
Structure and Organization
* How is the essay organized? Does it have a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion?
* What are the main supporting points of the essay? How do they relate to the thesis statement?
* Does the essay flow logically? Are there any transitions or connections between paragraphs?
* Are there any headings or subheadings that provide structure?
Content and Evidence
* What kind of evidence does the author use to support their claims? Is it factual, anecdotal, or analytical?
* Is the evidence credible and relevant? Does it support the author's main argument?
* Are there any gaps or inconsistencies in the evidence?
* Does the author address any potential counterarguments?
Style and Tone
* What is the overall tone of the essay? Is it formal, informal, humorous, serious?
* Is the writing clear, concise, and engaging?
* Are there any grammatical errors or stylistic inconsistencies?
Personal Response
* What are your initial reactions to the essay? Do you agree or disagree with the author's arguments?
* What did you learn from the essay?
* What questions do you still have after reading the essay?
By asking yourself these questions while surveying an essay, you'll be able to gain a better understanding of the text and form a more informed opinion about its content and quality.