Constructive criticism is essential for writers; effective feedback guides writers during the revision process, encouraging them to focus on critical issues of content and structure. Because many of us may struggle with providing effective feedback to our peers, we will first practice with a sample introductory paragraph
For this activity, follow these steps:
Watch the video “Providing Feedback.”
Review the document “Template for Introductory Paragraphs of a Literary Analysis.”
Template for Introductory Paragraphs in a Literary Analysis pdf At
Read the following sample introductory paragraph from a peer who is not in our class:
Throughout history, there have been specific places created by men that claim to have the ability to rehabilitate criminals, and help them grow and change, but somehow those places instead of “healing” someone’s criminal behavior, end up poisoning their souls even more. Whether they are called dungeons or prisons, these places that were created to correct lawbreakers, in the end, became the home of crimes as terrible or even more as the crimes committed by prisoners who are locked there. “The Dungeon” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, though symbolism exemplifies the reality of dungeons, expresses the negative effects that they have over someone’s soul, and shows the absence of religion in the penal system. In contrast, Coleridge’s uses of apostrophe provide a clear view of what he proposes is a better solution to heal an individual’s evil, which is nature. In other words, while becoming familiar with nature, individuals will be able to appreciate the love and beauty of it.
After reading this paragraph, provide feedback, responding to these questions:
1. What kind of “hook” does the writer use? Do you think this hook is effective? Why or why not?
2. Does the writer transition smoothly from the hook to the essay’s overall topic? Why or why not?
3. Is the overall topic clear to you? Why or why not?
4. Does the writer transition smoothly from the overall topic to the thesis? Why or why not?
5. What is the thesis? (You may highlight the thesis or quote it word-for-word. Do you think the thesis is specific and debatable? Why or why not? How might the thesis be revised if it is not specific and/or debatable?
