English 1301
Critical Analysis Essay Workshop
Use this sheet to do your workshop 

PART I: DO THIS WITH YOUR PARTNER'S PAPER
Body
a.	Evidence: With one color, go through the body of your partner’s essay and highlight all evidence from the story, poem, or movie.  That is every event that happens in it, everything a character says in it, or any other thing that is something that is done, appears, or happens in the work.  If needed, work with the writer to do this.  Highlight this with the color you choose for that. 
b.	Interpretation: With a different color, go through and highlight every place in the body where your partner explains how the evidence used relates to the main point or thesis.  Highlight this with the color you choose for that.
c.	Thesis: With a different color, highlight the thesis.  Look at the last sentence of the first paragraph.  IS it there?  If so, highlight it, but before that, look at the conclusion.  Is there a better version of it there?  Highlight that if so.  If it's not clear in either place, see if you can find one and highlight it. Highlight this with the color you choose for that.

 If not, write out what you see as the main point in the paper right now.  Also, give any suggestions or notes below: 

[Type suggestions or notes here]

PART II: USE THIS FORM TO GIVE FEEDBACK
This is the grade sheet I use when evaluating your essay.  Go through and put in yes/no and suggestions in about your partner's paper.  Don't solely put yes/no in these.  Give some feedback. 

Here are some things to look for and comment on (include other things that present themselves in the essay).
•	Is there too much evidence?
•	Does it summarize the whole story? (a bad thing)
•	Is there clear explanation of how the evidence supports the thesis?
•	Is the thesis clearly related to the points made in the body?
•	Are there grammatical, mechanical, or format issues that need to be taken care of?

Format and Professionalism	Yes/No, Comments, Suggestions. 	
The paper is correctly formatted		
The paper is turned in on time		
The paper is developed to the required minimum length  		
The paper has a work(s) cited page		
The Introduction 	
Sets the context by sharing the general topic.  Ie: something specific about the human condition, character, certain situations, or an element of literature		
Provides the name of the author and title of the work, properly formatted.		
Provides a clear thesis		
The Body 		
Gives specific examples or quotes from the story to support your thesis		
Explains why those things support or illustrate your thesis.		
•	Are there specific reasons why you believe your thesis?  (Topic Sentences)		
•	Are those reasons supported with direct quotes or very specific examples from the text? 		
•	Is the evidence integrated into sentences, reflecting a smooth writing style?		
•	Is the evidence interpreted and connected to the thesis?  (Do you explain how the quotes or examples support or prove your thesis?)		
The Conclusion 	
Discusses how the specific examples add up to illustrate something more about the general topic set up in the introduction.
OR 
Discusses how the work gives us a deeper understanding of the human condition, character, or situations through the author’s use of the particular element.		
Style and Clarity	
Conventions for literature for authors’ names, titles, and verb tense are followed 		
Style and level of formality meet the expectations of this type of writing		
Grammar and Mechanics meet expectations for writing at this level		
Works Cited page is formatted correctly, and citations for all works used are listed and correct		
Overall comments and suggestions
Explain what you think will best help this essay in a paragraph or two.

[Type your response here]

PART III: Return
Save this form and the draft of your partner's essay; save it as "RESPONSE Partner's name."  Upload it and make sure to put a bit of a message in with it. 

Part IV: Finishing your Essay
As you work on finishing this, think about the balance of color you have in your essay.  If there's a lot of evidence, make sure to do more explaining and interpretation: so, what does that evidence show or mean?  If you have a lot of explaining/interpretation, look for places in the story you can integrate the evidence. 

There is no magic proportion, but in the end, there should be a little bit more of you.  Remember, this is about what you think and how you see it, so that explaining is key. 

Revise, proofread, go to the writing center, and ask me questions.  Don't forget your cover letter.