The aim of this course is to make you better writers not only by making you practice writing but also, and most importantly, by helping you become more perceptive and more critical readers of your own writing. The following questions focus on some important aspects of the writing process. Please reflect on them all as you reread your draft carefully and critically before submitting it and take the time to answer them fully in writing. They will help me to see your writing from your own viewpoint so I can tailor my responses and suggestions to your individual needs and ideals. I thank you for your effort.
Relate the composition history of your essay. How did you come across the first idea? In what order did the other ones follow? How did you go about writing it? How did you revise your very first attempt?
In words different from the ones you used in your draft, briefly restate the thesis and motive of your essay.
What do you like most about your draft? What individual parts do you find good? Quote specific examples.
What do you find least convincing? What individual parts need the most work? Quote specific examples.
What were two of the most difficult challenges you encountered in the actual writing? How did you react to them?
Discuss the role of the Elements of the essay in your draft; which ones seem to work best? Which ones need fine-tuning? Again, give specific examples.
Write down a paragraph-by-paragraph outline of your draft summarizing each paragraph in a single sentence, highlighting the transitions between consecutive paragraphs and discussing the function of each individual paragraph in the structure of your argument. (Remember to number each paragraph!).
What are your ideas about revision? Is there a single most important issue you would like to concentrate on ? Why?
Is there anything about the style of your draft that you would like to improve? As always, quote specific examples and explain the reasons why you are not happy with them.
