Your Writing: More fair than foul!

Thesis: Rubric Scoring Exceeds standard Approaches standard **Barely attempts to make an argument **Poorly written and/or unclear **Placed appropriately in the paper ** Unique, highly individual and a clear, provable argument **Coherent and written in an exemplary fashion **Placed appropriately in the paper

Matheny’s Notes: Thesis Statements Positive: Focused on the author’s use of language and conventions to convey ideas

Reflecting on Thesis Statements Area in need of improvement: develop the significance of the so-what part of the thesis statement Have the so-what go beyond plot Domiant theme Mood or tone Universal truth Example: Shakespeare uses hand imagery to reflect the Macbeths’ guilt. Shakespeare uses hand imagery to reflect the Macbeths’ guilt, drawing attention to their action and emphasizing that free will, rather than fate, draws them to murder.

Body Thesis Sentences: Body Paragraph Topic Sentences Without a BTS, you waste an important opportunity to show how that paragraph connects to the whole thesis and shows the development of your argument. Strong BTSs and CSs are necessary for a 10 in Analysis and Organization

Body Thesis Sentences: Body Paragraph Topic Sentences

Body Thesis Sentences: Body Paragraph Topic Sentences

Body Thesis Sentences: Body Paragraph Topic Sentences

Body Paragraphs Without a BTS, you waste an important opportunity to show how that paragraph connects to the whole thesis. Strong BTS/CS necessary for a 10 in Org. Write about fiction in the present tense. Really evaluate whether or not you need a transitional word, phrase, or sentence. Avoid obvious or “to + word” transitions You may need more body paragraphs to prove your thesis than you originally plan to use.

Reflecting on Evidence Positive: Quote integration Citations Area in need of improvement: Select evidence we haven’t discussed a lot in class to show original thought Never start a transition with the word “To” To add, To summarize, To build, To compare, To illustrate, To close  (The construction is awkward and precludes fluency.) Instead, creatively begin the sentence with content

Reflecting on Analysis Never miss a chance to name a literary convention in a quote and discuss its significance Use the author’s name frequently to assure you’re focused on the writing rather than plot summary IB English Guiding Question: How does the author’s use of language, structure, technique, and style create meaning?

Reflecting on Organization Your BTSs and CSs need a so-what piece too. (Because the T stands for THESIS. #hint)

Reflecting on Style EDIT FOR BREVITY WORDY/LESS FLUENT GOOD FLUENCY & BREVITY Macbeth is asking Lady Macbeth is killing Banquo is stalking Shakespeare is foreshadowing “This quote is showing …” Macbeth asks Lady Macbeth kills Banquo stalks Shakespeare foreshadows [Just start with whatever the next word would be] Shakespeare juxtaposes …

Reflecting on Style PASSIVE VOICE Is passive voice ever ok? Sometimes! LA Ex: Macbeth is petrified with fear … SS Ex: The vote was cast for Parliament …