English 1301
Emblematic Essay Workshop Form

INSTRUCTIONS: Download one of your classmates' papers.  Read through it.  fill in the blanks to develop a letter to your classmate with thoughts and advice, save this and return it to the writer by replying to their post.   Just select [TYPE ________ HERE] in each section and type your response.  It will leave the font blue, but it will be easier for your partner to read. Basically, you're filling in the blank. 

Dear [TYPE PARTNER'S NAME HERE]:

What’s the dominant impression?  

When I read this I get the feeling that you feel like [TYPE IN THE OBJECT HERE] means1 [TYPE YOUR RESPONSE HERE] to you because2 [TYPE YOUR RESPONSE HERE]

1 Don’t just say a lot.  When you read the essay, what do you think this object means overall? 

2 Discuss why the essay gives you that feeling. Give specific words, actions, descriptions, or moments that really show the deeper meaning)

Description. Talk about the description. What parts help you see this, and what would you like more description of? 

In your description I like

[TYPE YOUR RESPONSE HERE]

I want to see (is there anything that could be described more or that would help you imagine or understand the situation or story better?

[TYPE YOUR RESPONSE HERE]

Narrative. Talk about how the narrative works—what you like and what you’d like or need more of?
In your narrative I like  (What parts of the story do you like?)
[TYPE YOUR RESPONSE HERE]

In your narrative, I'd like to see (What do you want to see more of, or are there any parts of the story that feel left out or that didn’t get told that you think really need to be?)
[TYPE YOUR RESPONSE HERE]

Discussion. Talk about how well the writer discusses the meaning and significance of this object. 
Your discussion is great when  (This is the significance/so what part.  What parts-sentences or paragraphs really help you understand what all of this means to the writer?)
[TYPE YOUR RESPONSE HERE]

I would understand this more clearly, if you tell me about  (What else can the writer explain or tell you about that would help you understand even more?)
[TYPE YOUR RESPONSE HERE]

Give the writer overall suggestions for revision.  
When you revise, I suggest
[TYPE YOUR RESPONSE HERE]

Best,
[TYPE YOUR NAME HERE]

RETURN INSTRUCTIONS 
•	Save this and return this letter to the writer.  Make sure to include a short message with the attachment and don’t forget to also attach the response to the cover letter.  
•	See the instructions linked in the discussion for specifics.