Writing Workshop – Family Story Paper #1 READER: ___________________
WRITER: ___________________
Directions: Work in small groups of three and read one group member’s paper. After you have read the paper all the way through, respond to the following questions on this sheet. You may also respond in the paper itself. Repeat the process with the other group member’s paper. By the end, each writer should receive two sheets of commentary. You must have a draft of your paper to participate in this workshop.
Is the student writer a part of this narrative? (Y/N) If yes, is that part minor? (Y/N) Recall that the student writer cannot be the focus of this family story.
Does the narrative use dialogue and/or summary of a dialogue? If so, write down the best example of dialogue in this space. If not, suggest places in the narrative to add dialogue.
What is the significance of this story for the writer (the writer’s purpose in telling it – the main point)?
What about the beginning of the essay draws you in (arouses your curiosity)? Can you suggest an alternative way of leading off the essay? Concluding it?
What is the essay’s biggest strength? [detail, action, dialogue, style, focus, significance, etc.] Be specific – point to an example in the paper.
What questions has the writer not answered for you? Are there sections that are unclear, confusing, or vague?
Identify any major proofreading problem areas by underlining or highlighting them on the paper. List a couple of recurring problems for the writer here. Do not spend an inordinate amount of time on grammar/mechanics.