1. Editing Introductions
SELF EDIT

2. Self-Editing: MLA Header
Your name Teacher’s name (Ms. Miller) Class Date Centered Title Indented and double-spaced paragraph starts here. Do not have extra spaces. Only use header on the first page.

3. Self Editing: Word Choice
Circle the following words or phrases:
Get/Got/Getting
Good
A lot
Bad
I believe/in my opinion/in my eyes
Things
Stuff
You/your
Also Circle:
Contractions (i.e. “don’t” “that’s” “won’t” “can’t”)
Any slang words or informal words

4. Peer Edit: Introductions
Find a partner

5. Can you find… A HOOK? - Circle it! Is it interesting?
Is the HOOK explained? Does it connect to the topic of the paper? Yes or No? Could it be stronger????
Does the author include sufficient background information?
Yes or No?
Put brackets [ ] around the THESIS
Does the thesis state what they will prove in the paper?
Does the thesis preview BOTH body paragraphs?

6. Peer Edit: Body Paragraphs

7. For Each Body Paragraph Edit for FORMAT
Transitions: Find and circle all FIVE of them.
1: To START the paragraph
2 – 4: To introduce each piece of EVIDENCE (3)
5: To start the CONCLUSION sentence
Main Idea: Put a box around the main idea sentence
Does it state what the ENTIRE paragraph will prove?
Evidence: Underline the three pieces of evidence
Is each piece of evidence specific?
Does the author provide an example?
Links: BRACKET [ ] the links!
Does the author explain how the person is influential or how they have changed as a result?
Conclusion: Put a box around the conclusion sentence
Number the THREE restatements of EVIDENCE
(#1, #2, #3)

8. For Each Body Paragraph Edit for Clarity/Meaning
Then, read for…Ideas!
Answer these questions for body paragraphs
Does each piece of evidence prove the main idea?
Yes or No? If not, point this out!
Do the links connect the evidence to the main idea? Do they show the connection between the example given and the point being proved?
Overall, is anything poorly worded, confusing, or unclear? Make a note of this for the writer!

9. For Each Body Paragraph Edit for Clarity/Meaning
First read for…Identifying ERRORS
Mark and correct these errors in the paragraph!
Punctuation problems or capitalization problems
Missing words or misused words
Is it wordy? Can you make it more concise (use less words to say the same thing)?
Does the author use a variety of sentence lengths?
Using “you,” vague words, contractions, slang, etc.

10. Conclusion / Traits
Does the conclusion start with a transition? (Use something other than “in conclusion.”)
Is the thesis restated in a new way?
Does the author effectively wrap up the essay?
Can the conclusion be stronger?
Does the author use THREE character trait words in the essay? Put a star* next to them. If not, write a note, so the writer remembers to include them.

11. Meet with the paper’s owner!
Go through any essential changes or corrections needed in the essay.
YOU ARE ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT OF YOUR PAPER. You do not have to make all the changes suggested by your editor, but you should at least consider them.

12. Tips for Success:
Read your paper out loud – I know you think you’ll sound loony talking to yourself, but really, this is the BEST way to catch errors or poorly worded sentences!
Have multiple editors. Different minds catch different errors and can offer different insights!
Use your rubric as a self-check!!!
Use your outline as a self-check!!!