More Self-Evaluation for Essay #1

STRUCTURE:

- What underlying question(s) drive(s) this essay? How is that question explored? How is it resolved, in any way? Note that attempts at answering these questions can come throughout the piece, but should DEFINITELY come at the end. Also, these questions will not yield simple answers. Trying exploring POSSIBLE answers using phrases like: I wonder, maybe, perhaps, it seems, but then again, on the other hand, could, might, etc. Don’t try to wrap it up too neatly, and don’t be afraid to think on the page!

- Mark where you are describing / telling a story vs. where reflecting. (In other words, think about the distinction between telling the surface story vs. digging into the issues beneath.) Are there adequate stories to support this reflection? Is there adequate reflection to make meaning of these stories? If not, what questions will help you “keep digging?”

STYLE:

- Choose a paragraph to analyze in terms of general vs. specific. Are you using “telling” statements (like “we learned so many important lessons here”) or are you “showing” via specific detail and stories? If you are telling, how can you convert that to showing? How can you make general language more specific? How can you extend these revisions to the rest of the essay? See SM 29c re: general vs. specific.

NITTY-GRITTY

- Your essay MUST be at least 5 pages long in order to receive a grade.

- You MUST utilize at least one outside source. If using a catalyst quote, be sure to give some context, introduce with a signal verb, and interpret appropriately. Remember that an “interview” means that you specifically asked someone questions in order to inform your essay *while writing it*; telling a story from the past and using someone’s words from that time is not an interview.

- Make sure that you are utilizing PARAGRAPHS. A paragraph should never be longer than one page. Look for places to break your information into small, digestible chunks for the reader.

- Include a Works Cited page. The easiest way to format a Works Cited entry is to use a web resource like www.easybib.com. Further guidelines are also explained in your St. Martin’s Handbook.