Figuring out where you’re at and where you need to go. Expect to still have to do plenty of work on your essay! Self-Assessment

Metacognition "Knowing About Knowing" “Thinking About Thinking”

Today is About… Looking over our essays together to effectively edit and revise, getting help, asking questions, learning!! Today is not about… Negativity Feeling discouraged

You will need highlighters and something to edit with. I have plenty you may borrow. Do not edit using the same “tool” that your essay is written in. As we go through each section please follow along with each step. Make a note to yourself or fix anything that needs fixing. PLEASE ASK QUESTIONS!!

Things I am Assuming You Know (and remembered!) You Avoided: Using “I” or “I think” Saying things such as “this shows,” “this proves that,” “I am going to prove that,” etc… Using contractions (can’t, don’t, won’t, shouldn’t, isn’t, you’re, etc..) Using slang Using plot summaries (if you think you need a plot summary – you probably don’t – share your paragraph with me) Be attentive for these faux pas as you read through your essay.

Ongoing Reminders… We will mostly be reading for ideas and content today. As you do this, please watch for: Spelling Grammar Punctuation Incomplete Sentences Use of the Active Voice & Present Tense You have referred to The Crucible as a “play”

Setting Up Select 3 different highlighters and neatly highlight: 1.Your thesis statement 2.Each topic and end sentence (same colour) 3.Each quote

Beginning to Check 1.Reread your essay prompt – remind yourself of exactly what you were asked to do. 2.Read your thesis: Does it respond to the prompt fully? Is it arguable? Do you clearly outline what your essay will be showing?

Beginning to Check 3.Read each topic sentence Is it arguable? Provable? Does it relate directly back to your thesis statement? 4.Read each end sentence Does it connect back to the topic sentence of that paragraph? Does it connect to the next paragraph (transition)

So What!? Start to think about the purpose of your argument. The So What does not have to be life-shattering. What I am looking for here is that there is more than a literal retelling of the story. Ex. We know that Parris is selfish. If you were writing about that, the point is what is the purpose of including this selfish character? Does your paper make a point that digs deeper and looks at a theme in the play or a point that is made by the play. (Examples on next slide)

Sample Thesis Statements “The symbolism in the play helps to solve the murder, but also gives the author an opportunity to discuss the roles and duties of a husband and wife, and to question how they should interact.” “Through Montressor, Poe conveys the theme that pride can lead to one’s destruction.” “Through these characters and their actions, Poe communicates his theme that pride leads to a man’s downfall.” “The lawyer’s first real conflict with another person causes him to become involved emotionally, changing his life.”

Looking at Body Paragraphs Carefully Read Each Body Paragraph: Overall, does your argument make sense? Is it in-depth? Do you support each claim with a quote and an explanation (CSE) Does your paragraph clearly and directly support an aspect of your thesis

Take a Look At Your Introduction… Your introduction must: Start with an attention grabber (see your handout for suggestions if needed) Gives the name of the text and the author (in full) Have a few sentences that join your attention grabber to your thesis. You may discuss briefly here the plot arch/points that are central to your argument. Ends with your thesis statement

Look at Your Conclusion Your conclusion must: Make your essay feel finished Reiterate your main points (thesis and body paragraphs) Emphasis the So What!? End with a general statement, that leaves a lasting impression with your reader (leaves them thinking or inspired or in some way satisfied) No new points or arguments!!

OVERALL Despite using formal language, is your voice apparent? While using simple and concise wording, do you have effective word choice? Do your ideas, sentences and paragraphs have good flow? Is your essay insightful?

MLA Style How to Set Up Your First Page Your Name Mrs. Noble ENG 12 Date Your last name and the page # (use headers to do this!) REMEMBER that you are getting points for following MLA style.

ESSAY DUE DATE I will happily conference your essay with you if you feel you still need help. Please come see me to make an appointment! The Good Copy is Due: Thurs. Nov. 14

Happy Writing!