Essay Writing

The First-Class UK Essay Checklist (20 Items)

6 min read · 2026-02-22

Twenty things every UK first-class essay does, use this as a final pre-submission checklist.

Argument

Clear thesis. Signposted argument. Counter-arguments addressed. Conclusion that actually concludes.

Evidence

Peer-reviewed sources. Recent (last 5–10 years where relevant). Balance of theoretical and empirical. Quotations short and purposeful.

Structure

Logical paragraph flow. Clear topic sentences. Transitions between paragraphs. Length proportional to importance.

Style

Formal academic register. Active voice where possible. No unexplained jargon. Consistent tense.

Mechanics

Word count within ±10%. Correct referencing throughout. Bibliography matches in-text citations. Final proofread.