The Old Man and the Sea Essay Comment Instructions

I would like your Old Man and the Sea essay comments to answer the following four questions. Write three to four sentences for each question.

I - What is this essay's thesis? Is it clear and concise? Is it focused? Does it engage you? Why or why not?

II - Of all the examples and quotations contained in this essay, which is the strongest? Why? What made it stand out above the others?

III - What is one thing this essay does well? It could be its organization, word choice, writing style, choice of quotations, introduction, conclusion, etc. In addition to mentioning what the author does well, copy and paste an example of what you thought was particularly effective. Be sure to put the example in quotations.

IV - What is the weakest aspect of this essay? What is one editing or revision suggestion the author might consider making before Mr. B-G reads and grades the essay? Be as specific as possible so the writer knows what to change or revise. Don't worry about hurting the writer's feelings. Saying "I liked it. It was really good." won't help your classmate improve his/her weaknesses. Be honest - but gentle - in your criticism.

Your comments should appear below the story you are responding to. When asked to choose an identity, use your Google/Blogger ID. Comments not posted according to these instructions should be deleted.

I would like you to respond to a minimum of two essays per class (6 total). Please have your comments ready to show me at the start of class on Thursday, March 10th, as I will check them then. Your classmates and I thank you for your valuable feedback.

Six comments = a "check"

Nine comments = a "check plus"

Treasure Island Essay Comment Instructions

I would like your Treasure Island essay comments to answer the following four questions. Write three to four sentences for each question.

I - What is this essay's thesis or main idea? Restate it in your own words, then think about it. Is it clear and concise? Is it focused? Does it engage you? Why or why not?

II - Of all the examples and quotations contained in this essay, which one seems to best support the essay's thesis? Why? What made it stand out above the others?

III - What is one thing this essay does well? It could be its organization, word choice, writing style, choice of quotations, introduction, conclusion, etc. In addition to mentioning what the author does well, copy and paste an example of what you thought was particularly effective. Be sure to put the example in quotations.

IV - What is one piece of advice that the author might consider when making his/her final revisions? Your suggestion could be about integrating vocabulary, citing quotes, polishing the thesis and introduction, ending with a strong conclusion, etc.

Your comments should appear below the story you are responding to. When asked to choose an identity, use your Google/Blogger ID. Comments not posted according to these instructions should be deleted.

* You can either print your comments or consolidate them into a Microsoft Word document, which you may show me on screen in class on Monday, as I will check them then. Your classmates and I thank you for your valuable feedback.

Two comments = a "check"

Three comments = a "check plus"

Prior Years Short Story Evaluation Activity

Instructions:

I. Read three short stories from prior students of English 9

II. For each story, answer the following in one to two sentences. Consult the Short Story Elements guide for assistance if necessary:
1) Who is the main character(s)?
2) What is the conflict? Include the type and kind.
3) What was the climax?
4) What did you think of the resolution? Was it effective?
5) Did the story seem believable and “work” within the world its author created?
6) What is this story’s greatest strength. Be as specific as you can.
7) Which Short Story Element seems lacking? What advice would you give to the author to make it a stronger, more enjoyable tale?

III. Write your responses in your homework notebook or type them and bring in a printed copy.

Responding To Classmates’ ORB Reviews Activity

I. Read four of your classmates’ book reviews. You should read one review from C block, one from E, one from F, and a final one of your choice.

II. For each review that you read, please answer the following questions below the review you are responding to. When asked to choose an identity, use your Google Account ID. Comments not posted according to these instructions will not be eligible for credit:
 

1) What was the reviewer’s overall impression of the book?
2) What did the reviewer notice about the book’s writing style?

3) Did the reviewer pick an interesting passage from the book to explain? Why or why not?  
4) How does this person's book review compare to the others you've read?

5) Would you consider reading this book? Why or why not?

Respond in one to two sentences for each of the five questions. Remember to read and respond to four reviews total.

III. Copy and paste your comments into a text or e-mail document, then PRINT your responses so we can easily share them in class. If you do not have access to a printer at home, you may come to class early and print your response on one of Mr. B-G's printers.