February 7, 2013  QuickWrite  Conducting a peer critique  Assignment ENGLISH 091

The FOUR SQUARE TRAIT TEST – PART I (Review) 1.Fold a sheet of paper in fours. 2.Draw a box in the middle of the paper. 3.In the box, write ONE trait that best describes you. 4.In THREE of the FOUR boxes, write ONE sentence with an EXAMPLE of HOW you exemplify that trait. 5.Next, write two – three sentences in each box explaining the example you chose.

The FOUR SQUARE TRAIT TEST – PART II 1.Take your four-square sheet and turn it into an outline for a five-paragraph essay. 2.From your outline, write the FIRST sentence for each paragraph (five sentences).

The Four-Step Peer Critique 1.Read the entire essay. What is the thesis/topic? How would you describe the style and voice of the piece? What does the author think about his/her topic? What do you think about the overall topic? Has the author supported his/her claims?

The Four-Step Peer Critique 2.Look closely at each section/paragraph. Does the introduction grab your attention? Why or why not? What is the main point of each of the three body paragraphs? Does the first sentence of each paragraph relate to the main topic? How do the paragraphs transition from one to another?

The Four-Step Peer Critique 3.The Sentence Are there any sentences that are confusing or difficult to understand? Is the language active or passive? What STRONG verbs does the author use? Does the author use a variety of sentence structures? Are there any areas where the writing is clunky or wordy?

The Four-Step Peer Critique 4.Suggestions In addition to the previous questions, give your peer FIVE specific suggestions for improving their essay. Example of a suggestion include: The first sentence in paragraph three is clunky. Eliminate the of and revise to say “Students should pay attention to bolded terms in their textbook since they may show up on the test.”

Assignment Assignment: The Personal Essay--My Defining Trait Assignment: The Personal Essay--My Defining Trait Take your four-square sheet from the QuickWrite from January 29th and turn it into an outline for a five-paragraph essay. Use what we did in class this past Tuesday as your guide. From your outline, write the FIRST sentence for each paragraph (five sentences). Next, using your outline as a guide, draft a five-paragraph essay. Suggestions: Consider using anecdotes (short stories) from your life to explain how the trait fits you. Use specific details and strong verbs to make your writing compelling and engaging. Your introduction should introduce both you and your identifying trait and should grab your readers' attention. Format: Typed, double-spaced, TNR, 12-pt. font. Please put your name, the class, assignment and date in the upper right-hand corner. Staple your outline to your essay before turning it in. Due: Tuesday, February 12th