This document provides instructions for a writing workshop revision activity. Students are asked to choose a partner, read each other's essays out loud, and then comment on the essays by answering questions in the margins about the introduction, thesis, evidence, formal features, conclusion, organization, formatting, strengths, and weaknesses. Their written feedback is then returned to the essay's writer.
3. Writing Workshop:
Revision Strategies
Choose a partner
Read both essays aloud before you start to write
about or discuss the essays.
In the margins and on the back of your partner’s
essay, answer all of the questions from the
handout.
When you finish, return your comments to the
writer.
4. Introduction: Does the introduction orient readers?
Thesis: Underline the writer’s thesis. Write what you believe
the writer’s argument to be in the margin near the thesis.
Evidence: Does the writer include quotations with clear in-text
citations for line numbers? Are all quotes discussed/explained
sufficiently
Formal features: Does the writer discuss rhetorical and poetic
devices?
Conclusion: Does the conclusion reinforce the thesis and
persuade you of the viability of the claim?
Writing: How does the author create a logical progression for
the essay?
MLA Formatting: Is the essay in MLA format?
What is the strongest aspect of this paper?
What is the weakest aspect of this paper?
Additional comments
