I. Evaluating the thesis statement
 

Is there a clear thesis statement? Is it specific and narrowly defined?
Does the thesis statement make an arguable point, i.e., does the statement make a point that needs to be further proved or explained? Has the writer taken a specific position that she/he needs to defend? Is the position at least somewhat debatable?
Does the thesis prepare the reader for more information? I.e., does the reader expect to learn more about the issue or question raised in the thesis statement?
Is the thesis statement properly placed in the paper?
Is the thesis relevant to the program material?
Other:

II. Evaluating the evidence provided to support the thesis
 

Does the rest of the paper succeed in supporting the claims or promise of information that the writer made in the thesis statement?
Does the rest of the paper flow logically from the thesis?
Does the writer stick to proving his/her thesis or does she/he stray from the thesis by presenting evidence, arguments or information unrelated to the thesis?