As you listen to your classmate’s draft read aloud, consider/make notes on the following questions:

1.Does this essay have a clear purpose?

Where does it either explore or reflect on the story being told?

Where does is answer the question “So what?” Is the answer to “so what” something lame and trite (“I’ll be more careful from now on” ) or is it subtle and thoughtful (“ That man was my hero, but now I saw that heroes don’t really exist.”)?

 The purpose does not have to be stated in one sentence, but it should be clear, and it should develop throughout the essay.

2. Is the story told in a compelling way?

   Where are characters developed through use of relevant detail?

   Where are settings described through naming (again, relevant objects)?

   Where are the right parts of the story emphasized?

   Where is the story visual through active verbs?

   Where are there any (and enough) scenes rather than straight narrative?

   How is time  handled?  Chronological? Flashback or flashforward? Through a string of episodes connected by reflections? Where is the sequence of events confusing?

Here are questions you might want answered by your classmates about your draft:

1. Is there a story I’m telling that I need to develop more? Am I not telling something I should?  Is there any part of what I wrote that seems irrelevant or overly emphasized?
2. What do you think is the REAL story? In other words, what idea or theme is lurking beneath the accounts of my experiences and observations?
3. What seem to be  the most important details, the one that seems to say more than it say, that reveals some important feeling, attitude, or idea? What details seem less important, less revealing?
4. Do I have statements that seem obvious or overly abstract and general? How can I derive better insights from my story?
5. Do I explain too much, telling where I should be showing?