Checklist

Make sure you have the following elements:

1. An interesting lead

2. An introduction that begins with the general and ends with the specific

3. A clear thesis statement

4. Three effective points about your country

5. An effective topic sentence for each body paragraph

6. A conclusion that summarizes the essay and ends with a final thought

7. An original photo or a link to a photo on the Web

Optional:

A photo of yourself

Make sure that every supporting idea in each body paragraph refers back to the topic sentence.

Make sure that you do not write any general facts that your reader probably knows.