Today’s Revision Checklist: OMAM Literary Critique

First, let’s check your organization… Highlight the thesis statement in yellow. Check the length. Is it at least two pages long? Are there multiple paragraphs? Highlight each connection to OMAM in blue. Is there a page number (in parentheses) for each reference? Highlight each connection to another source in pink. Let’s find out how to cite our parenthetical and bibliographic sources.parentheticalbibliographic

Read the opposing argument & rebuttal. Do they make sense? First, find them in the essay and highlight them in yellow. Next, draw a if the opposing argument and rebuttal are effective. Draw a  if the point of view is unclear or if the logic falls apart.

Moving on to focus & content… Put an orange star next to each connection that obviously connects to the thesis. Use an orange question mark for connections that need a little TLC. You need to explain more than you think you should! Don’t just hit and run! Be sure to sandwich your quotes between your own ideas.

Let’s talk pronouns! First person pronouns (I, me, my, mine, we, us, our, ours) should almost never be used in expository writing, unless it is a direct quotation. Second person pronouns (you, your, yours) should be treated like a disease. Pretend you have a stockpile of cheese that has to last you from now until the end of the year, and second person pronouns are rats. They must be exterminated at all costs!

Here’s the difference that losing the pronouns can make: BAD PRONOUN USAGE: When you go to the Dominican Republic, you should rent a surfboard. BETTER PRONOUN USAGE: Renting a surfboard makes the Dominican Republic more fun.

Now, read for conventions… Use the green highlighter to highlight all first and second person pronouns, contractions, and improper usage errors. Be on the lookout for “I think…” and “you” most of all! Then, use the green highlighter and editor’s marks to correct any other issues with conventions.

Where do I go from here? Is your thesis statement an actual statement? Do you have enough blue OMAM connections? Academic classes need at least five; Honors needs at least eight connections. Do you have enough pink external connections? Academic classes need at least three; Honors needs at least four connections. Are those connections/quotes sandwiched between your ideas? Are they cited parenthetically with accurate page numbers?

Where do I go from here? Is your paper free of first and second person pronouns? There are lots of ways to change this feature of your writing; try referring to “the reader” or “one” instead of “you.” Are there other grammatical issues to address? Look for comma use, spelling, capitalization, etc. Sitting down with me in a one-on-one conference is a great next step! Get a tutoring pass and we’ll take a closer look at your work.