Questions for Synthesis

1. Does the writer narrow his/her topic to a single, specific and clear focus?

2. Does the writer provide an in-depth look at his/her topic?

3. Does the writer incorporate sources that are credible, timely, and relevant?

4. Does the writer define terms for the lay person audience?

5. Does the writer properly cite sources?

6. Does the writer rely too heavily on any one source?

7. Does the writer paraphrase in a clear and accurate way?

8. Does the writer remain objective?

9. Does the introduction hook the reader?

10. Does the essay have a logical organization?

11. Does the writer vary sentence length/structure?

12. Is the text free from distracting surface errors?

13. Is the text readable prose?

14. Does the conclusion trail off or end abruptly?

15. Does the writer maintain a consistent tone?

Homework for Thursday, October 23rd

Please read, "Alpha Girl," by Laura Sessions Stepp for Thursday's class.  To access the essay, click here.

Questions for Personal Narrative

The following questions will serve as criteria for your personal narrative essay.

• Does the writer narrate a single event, or a series of events? How does the writer handle the use of anecdote?
  
• Does the writer use concrete, specific details and description?
  
• Does the writer make a point?
  
• Does the writer reflect (i.e. is the question, “so what?” answered)?
  
• Do all of the examples (details, images, word choice) point to the essay’s primary focus?
  
• Does the introduction hook the reader?
  
• Does the conclusion end abruptly or trail off?
  
• Does the essay have a logical organization?
  
• Are the transitions from paragraph to paragraph clear?
  
• Does the writer maintain a consistent tone?
  
• Is the level of diction appropriate for the audience, the ethos, and the essay’s point?
  
• Is the prose readable?
  
• Does the writer use correct grammar/mechanics?
  
• Does the writer vary sentence length and structure?
  
• Is the text free from distracting surface errors?
  

Homework for Thursday, October 2nd

Please read the short essay, "Lights," by Stuart Dybek.  Click here for the text.  You do not need to scroll down and read anything else, just the one page Dybek piece.