📝 Part 1: Pre-Editing Reflection

1. Before you begin editing, what are the three most important elements of a strong literary essay? (Check all that apply)

Clear thesis statement

Logical paragraph structure

Strong evidence from the text

Fancy vocabulary words

Coherent argument flow

Proper grammar and punctuation

2. What specific aspects of Shakespeare's tragic love themes should your essay address clearly?

🔍 Part 2: Self-Editing Checklist

3. Use this checklist to evaluate your essay draft. Tick each box when you've checked and improved that element:

Introduction and Thesis

My introduction clearly introduces Shakespeare's tragic love themes

My thesis statement is specific and arguable

My thesis appears at the end of my introduction

Body Paragraphs

Each paragraph has a clear topic sentence

I've included specific evidence from Shakespeare's text

My analysis explains HOW the evidence supports my argument

Paragraphs flow logically from one to the next

I've used appropriate literary terminology

Language and Style

My sentences vary in length and structure

I've used precise, academic vocabulary

I've avoided repetitive word choices

My writing maintains a formal, analytical tone

Grammar and Mechanics

All sentences are complete (no fragments or run-ons)

Subject-verb agreement is correct throughout

Punctuation is accurate, especially with quotations

Spelling is correct (especially character names)

✏️ Part 3: Targeted Editing Practice

4. Identify the main problem in this sample paragraph and suggest how to fix it:

"Romeo and Juliet is about love. Love is tragic in the play. Romeo loves Juliet. They die because of love. Shakespeare shows love is dangerous. Love causes problems for everyone."

Main problem:

How to improve it:

5. Rewrite these sentences to improve clarity and sophistication:

Original: "Juliet is young and she makes bad choices."

Improved version:

Original: "The families hate each other which is why Romeo and Juliet can't be together."

Improved version:

🎯 Part 4: Focus Areas for Revision

6. After reviewing your essay, what are your three main areas for improvement? Rank them in order of priority:

1st Priority (most important to fix):

2nd Priority:

3rd Priority:

7. Choose ONE paragraph from your essay that needs the most work. In the space below, rewrite it with improvements:

🔄 Part 5: Self-Assessment and Next Steps

8. Rate your current essay draft in each area (circle one number for each):

Thesis clarity: 1 (needs major work) - 2 (needs some work) - 3 (good) - 4 (excellent)

Use of evidence: 1 (needs major work) - 2 (needs some work) - 3 (good) - 4 (excellent)

Analysis depth: 1 (needs major work) - 2 (needs some work) - 3 (good) - 4 (excellent)

Writing clarity: 1 (needs major work) - 2 (needs some work) - 3 (good) - 4 (excellent)

Grammar/mechanics: 1 (needs major work) - 2 (needs some work) - 3 (good) - 4 (excellent)

9. What is one specific goal you will focus on when creating your final draft?

10. What editing strategy from today's lesson will you use again in future writing assignments?

Self-Editing Essay Workshop

Self-Editing Essay Workshop

📝 Part 1: Pre-Editing Reflection

🔍 Part 2: Self-Editing Checklist

Introduction and Thesis

Body Paragraphs

Language and Style

Grammar and Mechanics

✏️ Part 3: Targeted Editing Practice

🎯 Part 4: Focus Areas for Revision

🔄 Part 5: Self-Assessment and Next Steps

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