You need to be in groups of five or more.

Self-EditExcerpted and adapted from “Brilliant Revision

Worksheet”

Note to paper authors You are about to put a lot of work into

this paper. Grumble silently.

By the time your paper gets to me, it should be as near to perfection as you can make it.

1st read Review your thesis. Give yourself

something to prove. If the thesis is obvious, then there is no reason for the reader to continue with the rest of the paper.

Underline all literary devices explained (i.e. setting, characterization, atmosphere, structure, figurative language, etc.)

2nd read Cross out the words “you” and “I.”

Cross out all weak language like “I think” or “I believe.”

3rd read Read through it again. Make sure all

your verbs are present tense.

Eliminate run on and fragment sentences.

4th read Be sure that “it’s” is used as “it is”

and that “its” shows possession.

Be sure that “there,” “their,” and “they’re” are used correctly.

5th read Use the author’s complete or last

name when you refer to him/her.

Underline the title of full-length works (if we were typing this, you’d italicize them).

Pass your paper to the right.

Peer EditSilent time – if you are talking,

you’re not giving enough of your attention to the work.

Instructions for peer editors Write your name on the top of the paper next to a

number indicating which peer editor you are.

You may find it easier to read through once, highlighting all the issues of the types you’re looking for, and then making suggestions next to those areas afterwards.

If you do highlight, try to use a different color for each editor.

If you see any misspellings, circle them (regardless of which editor you are).

Comments may be made directly on the author’s paper.

Peer Editor 1: ___________ Look for weak words that don’t embody the

idea. An outstanding paper has powerful vocabulary that stimulates the reader and conveys the intended meaning in an interesting and natural way. Give suggestions.

Look for weak sentences that don’t flow well or are too long to make any sense. An outstanding paper has an easy flow and sentence sense that makes the text easy to read aloud. Give suggestions.

Pass your paper to the right.

Peer Editor 2: ____________ Look for language or sentence

structure that is too informal for an academic essay. Fix it.

Look for big statements that are not supported. These statements should either be cut or developed. Make suggestions.

Pass the paper to the right.

Peer Editor 3: ______________

Look at the structure of the essay. Should the paragraphs be switched around? The piece should have a strong sense of direction, balance, and flow. This is more complicated than it sounds in this essay that may use many different quotations. They should be artfully woven together.

Look at the transition sentence at the beginning of every body paragraph and the conclusion. Does it link the two paragraphs in a logical and fluent way? Give suggestions.

Pass the paper to the right.

Peer Editor 4: ____________ Look at the introduction. It should be

inviting and should make a statement that is beyond the obvious, that has to be proven. Make some evaluative comments.

Look at the conclusion. It should be satisfying and should not simply repeat the introduction. Make it thoughtful and leave the reader with a new idea to ponder. Make some evaluative comments.

Pass the paper back to the owner.

Reflection Read through your comments and

reflect:• What you did well• What you still need to improve on

If you need clarification from an editor, ask quietly.

Read through the rubric and score yourself against the each criterion.

Someone pass out the MS/MN and SAR handout.

More reflection Review the comments for your

specific question. Reflect on how you performed in

comparison. Score your paper again (next to the boxes).

Final draft requirements

Your final draft must be: typed with proper MLA formatting submitted to Edmodo (group code:

6g14tf) before the start of class:

You must also return your rough draft and self/peer editing.

A-day 23 April

B-day 24 April

If I were you: I’d spend some time this weekend going

through my notebook/journals and organizing everything that is relevant to:• Paper 1• Paper 2• Writing in general (since both papers are writing

assignments…) Don’t throw everything else away; store it

until the end of the year. But if you don’t need it for the exams, you won’t need it until after the exams.

Homework (due next class):

Read the sample paper 1 essays For each:

• Score using the correct rubric• Provide rationales for each score.