As you look at your own and others’ drafts, consider the following:
1. Do you understand the problem? Is it clear? Can it be summarized succinctly?
2. Do you agree that it’s a problem? Or is this an issue brief in search of a problem?
3. Is there a sense of urgency? What claims and evidence are used to convince you that it’s urgent?
4. Are solutions or suggestions for a path to the alleviation of the problem offered? Do they address the problem, as defined?
5. Is the framing clear? Does the writing stick to the subject at hand? Are there extraneous points that cloud the matter?
6. Can you identify the audience for this issue brief? Who is being asked to do something?
7. Was context provided that indicated that the status quo is unacceptable?
8. Are there clear claims driving each paragraph/section? Can you summarize the claim of the whole issue brief succinctly?
9. Are the sources credible?
10. Is there a solid mix of facts and examples?
11. Do you believe the proposed solution(s) would work?
12. Is there an ethical framework that you can identify? One that we discussed in class? Another? Is there any harm being done via the satisfaction recommendation that gives you pause?
13. Do the arguments have coherence and fidelity? Does the piece, as a whole, hang together? Does it ring true and have relevance for a broader community?