Instructions for workshopping (Essays 1 and 2)
1. You must submit your rough draft, on WebCT, by the due date indicated on the course calendar. “Publish” the draft so that the entire class can see it as well as the instructor. Failure to submit the rough draft on time will result in a 5% penalty from the final grade of your essay and will forfeit your right to revise and resubmit the essay if you get a C- or below. It will also generally mean that the class does not have an opportunity to workshop your draft.
2. For every classmate’s draft, you must respond (in writing) to the questions which follow. The object of your response is to provide constructive criticism; be respectful and helpful to your classmates. Print and bring 2 copies of your responses to class. One copy is for me and one copy is for the person who wrote the essay. Each of these will receive a homework assignment grade.
Workshopping questions
1. In your own words, paraphrase the thesis statement. Is it a debatable claim?
Can you think of ways to strengthen the thesis statement?
2. For each main body paragraph:
In your own words, paraphrase the central argument of the main body paragraph. Does the paragraph start with a topic sentence that clearly states this argument?
How does the central argument of the paragraph help support the thesis statement?
Are any sentences or sections of the paragraph off-topic?
4. What are the major strengths of the essay?
5. What are the most distracting mistakes of the essay?