From Revising to Editing: Working with Peer Groups From Inquiry to Academic Writing: Chapter 10

LEN Personal Review Don’t begin a sentence with “I think.” Don’t use “I, we,” then change to “you.” This, that, and those are demonstrative pronouns. Limit their use. Better to rename the subject. No contractions Like is not a punctuation. Avoid passive voice Editing notes, Ellipses and dashes

Preparation for Peer Review Bring 3 copies of your draft to class. Have a few questions prepared to pose to your readers about the draft . Come to class on time, do not come into class after the door is closed. Miss peer review and you lose a letter grade from your final paper. Take your meds before you come to class, No attitudes.

Revising: “making changes to a paper to reflect new thinking or conceptualizing” (274) Editing: making “minor changes to what will be the final draft of a paper” (274) Treats writing as a work in progress Focuses on new possibilities both within and beyond the text Focuses on new questions or goals Considers both purpose and readers’ needs Encourages further discovery Treats writing as an almost-finished product Addresses obvious errors and deficiencies Focuses on the text alone (not the content!) Considers grammar, punctuation, spelling, and style Polishes up the essay

Peer Workshops: Some Basic Guidelines We will be dealing most often with revising The drafts being work- shopped are works in progress Be respectful of all group members Be specific and thorough! Commenting, “this paper is good” or “this paper needs work” is not constructive or helpful to the writer Think about the feedback you would value, and try to offer this to your group Peer Workshops: Some Basic Guidelines

The Composition Pyramid page 275 Situation Issue Thesis Argument Organization Effective use of sources to support thesis Style and Grammar

Writer’s Responsibilities pages 279-280 Come up with a few questions to pose to your reader Ex: Is my use of description effective? Is my thesis clear? Do you have any suggestions for sources? Be receptive to suggestions You don’t have to use every suggestion given BUT If you choose not to take a suggestion, have a good reason for it If you don’t understand what a group member means—ASK! Writer’s Responsibilities pages 279-280

Reader’s Responsibilities page 280 Pay attention to the writer’s concerns and respond to his/her questions Read through the draft once before commenting Use workshop handouts as a guide Note “where the draft amused, confused, or persuaded you” Provide constructive feedback Let the writer know what aspects of his/her draft are working well Your role as a live audience includes calling the writer’s attention to how he/she can improve this draft! Be honest! Keep The Composition Pyramid in mind while revising Do not overwhelm the writer with too many revisions Focus on the most important parts

After work-shopping, consider your own draft and notice if aspects you critiqued in your group members’ drafts are also present in your own writing Keep an open mind Work-shopping is a great way to get feedback during the writing process Don’t take suggestions personally, your group members are trying to help Talk to me if you have concerns regarding feedback you have received Keep in Mind: