Today's self-evaluation work will include the following steps:
- Tape your essay pages together to create one long page.
- Determine which parts of your essay are analysis ("how" and "why") and which are evidence ("what"). Remember, analysis is made up of claims, insights, and commentary. Evidence includes quotes and other specific references to the text--statements of fact that are indisputable. Highlight the analysis in one color and the evidence in another.
- Identify the sentence(s) containing your thesis. Label in the margin.
- Place check marks by every mention of a literary device or technique, even if you do not mention it by name. As you mark each one, ask yourself if you merely labeled it or if you actually described its effect.
- Attempt to visually display your line of reasoning. Circle key ideas in your thesis, then connect those to other words and phrases throughout the essay. You may use a color-coded system if that helps. Does everything come back to live under your thesis? Could you connect it more clearly?
- Use the rubric to determine your score on this essay. Circle your points in each of the three rows. For the middle row (Evidence and Commentary), provide a clear explanation of why you selected that point value in the margins of the rubric.
- At the end of your essay (add paper if necessary), explain in complete sentences the ONE change you would make to this essay in order to improve your overall score. Be as specific as possible by offering details about what exactly would be changed or added, and be sure to clearly explain why you believe this is the most important revision/addition you need to make.