1. Your Writing:
More fair than foul!

2. 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

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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. Body Thesis Sentences: Body Paragraph Topic Sentences

7. Body Thesis Sentences: Body Paragraph Topic Sentences

8. Body Thesis Sentences: Body Paragraph Topic Sentences

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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?

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

13. 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 …

14. 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 …