Topic: english

Follow ALL instructions below and answer ALL the questions. Failure to do this will result in an automatic 10% grade

reduction on Essay #1 AND a zero the writing workshop. If you do not post an original draft to your forum by the 10

September, you will be automatically removed from the workshop and will not have access to group members’ drafts.

Word count for feedback: 200 words, at least, per essay.

1. THESIS: Is the thesis too general, too narrow, or too ambitious? If so, as a writer, how does this affect your

understanding of the essay? Do you have any suggestions for the author? If the thesis is clear, whether explicitly stated or

implied, what specifically makes it effective? In other words, what do you like about it?

2. PURPOSE: Is the main point of the narrative clear? What do you understand the purpose to be?

3. DEVELOPMENT: What areas of development are especially effective? Why do these areas seem to work well for you as a reader?

Identify areas that could be further developed, more specifically phrased, or even narrowed down. Why do these areas seem to

require additional attention; in other words, let the author know how you€“as a reader€“respond to these areas. Remember, if

something works well for you, be sure to point these out and explain why you like them.

4. ORGANIZATION: Evaluate the essay’s organization. Are ideas presented in a logical order/framework? Are connections/

transitions between ideas clear?

5. LANGUAGE SKILLS: Although grammar and punctuation should not be the focus of this workshop (many areas will change as the

author revises his or her work), point out areas that seem problematic to you. As well, are there areas where word choice

requires further attention? Are there word choices that you especially like? Are there areas that seem wordy (Remembering

word count is a factor can force us to carefully consider the words and phrases we use€“as a result, we’ll try to find the

words that best convey our ideas.).

6. Introduction and Conclusion Strategies: Are the writer’s decisions effective? Support your answer.

7. Does the essay have a title? Does the title grab your attention and relate to the essay? Again, support your answer.