The document provides instructions for a writing workshop revision activity. Students are paired and asked to read each other's essays aloud. They then write comments and questions in the margins and backs of the essays following a provided handout. The essays are returned to their owners to review the comments and discuss revisions. Additional writing tips are included, such as using present tense when writing about literature and avoiding certain words. Students are reminded to check for proper MLA formatting and assignment requirements.

3. Writing Workshop:
Revision Strategies
Choose a partner
Read both essays aloud before you start to write
about or discuss the essays.
In the margins and on the back of your partner’s
essay, answer all of the questions from the
handout.
When you finish, return your comments to the
writer.

4. Introduction: Does the introduction orient readers?
Thesis: Underline the writer’s thesis. Write what you believe
the writer’s argument to be in the margin near the thesis.
Evidence: Does the writer include quotations with clear in-text
citations for line numbers? Are all quotes discussed/explained
sufficiently
Formal features: Does the writer discuss rhetorical and poetic
devices?
Conclusion: Does the conclusion reinforce the thesis and
persuade you of the viability of the claim?
Writing: How does the author create a logical progression for
the essay?
MLA Formatting: Is the essay in MLA format?
What is the strongest aspect of this paper?
What is the weakest aspect of this paper?
Additional comments

5. When you both finish
writing, return the
essays to their
owners. Look at your
essay to make sure
you understand the
writer’s comments.
Take some time to
discuss your essays
and comments.

6. Writing Tips
 Write about literature in present tense
 Avoid using “thing,” “something,” “everything,” and
“anything.”
 Avoid writing in second person.
 Avoid using contractions.
 Cut wordy sentences
 Avoid run-on sentences and fragments.
 Check for misused words
 Put commas and periods inside of quotation marks

7. Miscellaneous Questions
 Does the paper follow MLA guidelines?
 For help, click on “MLA Guidelines” and view the “Basic MLA
format” video.
 Is the page length within assigned limits?
 Is the font type and size within the assigned guidelines?
 Does the header follow the assignment guidelines?
 Is the professor's name spelled correctly? Kim Palmore
 Is your name spelled correctly?
 Does the paper have a title? Is it a good title? Is the title in the
appropriate location?
 Have you italicized book and movie titles and put stories,
articles, and poems in quotation marks?

8. Homework