INTRODUCTION
Strong hook? Suggestions…
Context? Does intro effectively introduce characters and set the scene for analysis? It’s important they frame intro around character writer is focusing on (author > audience(s) > purpose). You may need to read essay once before answering this completely.
Identify the thesis (should be last sentence of intro):
Does it make a clear argument/take a stance explaining precisely how the character used rhetoric to achieve purpose?
Does the thesis provide an effective roadmap for the rest of the paper? (Focus of analysis should sequentially map the rest of the paper).
ORGANIZATION (BODY PARAGRAPHS)
Once the thesis has been established, the entire paper should be focused on supporting or defending it.
Examine each topic sentence. Are they making an arguable claim (mini argument) about the topic and do they follow the sequence in thesis?
Quote Sandwiches: this is the writer’s evidence, there should be enough to provide ample evidence for the argument:
Top Bun: Are the quotes introduced/framed/contextualized well?
Protein: Is it a direct quote? (this is most effective), examples and paraphrased quotes (in your words) are good too (mix it up).
Bottom Bun: Is the explanation of the quote/protein clear in how it serves the argument? This doesn’t take much but it reinforces the argument.
Transition: Note smooth transitions or lack thereof, especially focus on transitions between paragraphs. (“Yet,” “And furthermore” “On the other hand”; “Meanwhile…”). See page 304 in textbook for an extensive super-helpful list.
Also note where pointing words (them, these, those, they, that, their, etc) can improve flow.
Note confusing or off-topic sections.
GENERAL ARGUMENT: SO WHAT? WHO CARES? TELLING THE READER WHY IT MATTERS
This is the key to a successful paper. The argument should show how well the writer not only knows their character but how well the character knows their audience. Every point that the writer makes should in some way refer back to what is motivating the character’s purpose.
examine every point the writer makes for an explanation of how they are appealing to their audience and how it is persuading them to achieve their purpose. Not everyone in this movie is successful. It is the writer’s job to explain why or why not.
CONCLUSION
Does the writer tie together their central argument one last time in a way that seems fresh? Does it go out with a memorable bang?
Writer can talk about the director of the movie (Quentin Tarantino) and how this fits into his body of work, or crime dramas in general.
GENERAL (these can be marked on doc itself)
Favorite part?
Note gratuitous profanity. I’m not too keen on this.
Pronouns (I, we, you, us, our). These tend to distract, so best avoided (Focus on the characters themselves, it’s more direct). In light of this, review their hook.
Mark a lack of specificity (words similar or different best avoided)
Textbook definitions of appeals. Not necessary.
Are you noticing a trend of grammatical and proofreading errors? If so, what errors are sticking out most to you?