English 1B
Writers Workshop
Monday 12/15 10:30-12:30

Instructions:

  •  Read each piece that you were given in class.
  • Write notes in the margins as you read. Underline and annotate passages that confuse you. Underline and annotate passages that you particularly like. Note any questions that occur to you.
  • Write the author a four paragraph letter, addressing these four areas:
    • Paragraph 1: What is at the heart of this piece? What is the author trying to show? What are the central themes of the piece, and what might have been the author’s intent as he/she wrote?
    • Paragraph 2: What are the strengths of the piece?Give specific examples of where you thought piece was working well. Where is the language particularly clear or vivid? Is there a certain character that you really liked or thought was particularly well-drawn?
    • Paragraph 3:What suggestions can you give to the author if he/she were to go back and work on the piece some more? Are there areas that are confusing, either in language or in plot development? Do you see any gaps in the text that make it unclear?Are there areas where the author veers off into irrelevant material?
    • Paragraph 4: What questions do you have for the author? It might be about the piece itself, (i.e. “What inspired this piece?” “Why did this character do this particular thing?” “What do you plan to do with this piece?”) or about the author’s writing process or history (i.e. “How long have you been writing?” “Where do you get your motivation to write?” etc.)
  • Make two copies of your feedback: one for the author/s, and one for me.
  • Discuss the piece in person on Monday, 12/15. Be prepared to say a few words from your written feedback.
  • Give one copy of your written feedback to me, and the other to the author/s.
  • Rejoice in your newfound freedom from English 1B!Woohoo!

Authors:

You will read and analyze the stories of the other folks on the list, and for your own story, please write a paragraph or two answering the following questions.  You do not need to make two copies of this.

  • What was the most challenging part about writing this narrative? What was frustrating about the process?
  • What was the most rewarding part of writing the story? What was the most fun part?
  • What do you feel are the strengths of the piece? What parts are you most proud of?
  • What parts of the story are you still unsatisfied with?
  • What specific questions do you have for the class as they read and analyze your work?  Are there areas that you’d particularly like for them to look at or notice?
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