Monday, May 22, 2017

Reviewing First Drafts

Class


1. Elements of a successful first draft

2. Workshop

 For the writer of the draft:
  • Print your paper
  • Underline your thesis (if your thesis is implicit, please make it explicit by writing it on the top of the first page)
  • Number your paragraph
For the evaluator of the draft: You will write a short report of a classmate’s draft to share with the writer and with me.

1. Create a header with

Your name
The writer’s name
Paper title

2. Start the report by stating your evaluation:
  • The draft is acceptable in its current form.
  • The draft needs minor modifications.
  • The draft needs substantial modifications.
3.  Write the report in five paragraphs. For each paragraph, report on

-what is being done correctly
               and then
-what is not being done correctly or is missing

a) One paragraph for the opening paragraph(s)/introduction. See page 62, #4 of the class packet for the things the introduction should be doing. If the introduction uses a “hook,” comment on how interesting and relevant its ideas are.

b) One paragraph for the effectiveness of the body paragraphs. See pages 9-11 of the class packet for the elements of an effective paragraph. Use paragraphs numbers to make clear to what ideas you are referring. Be especially attentive for paragraphs that do not have a topic sentence or contain argument based on little no evidence.

c) One paragraph for the use of the text(s): Is the evidence summarized, paraphrased, and quoted when appropriate, or is there heavy quoting, especially of long passages? Is the evidence explained thoroughly or just mentioned? Are passages properly introduced by saying who said them, to whom, and what's the situation? aAre sources cited in the body of the draft using the format explained on pages 62-63 of the packet? Does the draft contain a Works Cited page?

d) One paragraph for the conclusion. If the writer is only summarizing her ideas, suggest something else she could do to close the paper.

e) Your specific recommendations for next steps based on the general assessment you conducted separately. Please especially mention any gaps in the information presented.