Editing Checklist Summary/Analysis Essay

I. Introduction:
Is there a clear introduction that states the title of each text (the video and the article), the author of each (in this case it is the same person) and at least 2-3 sentences that state the main idea, theme or point of each text.
II. Body Paragraphs:
• Are the body paragraph organized in some manner? Does the writer deal with each text separately or are paragraphs organized around rhetorical strategies used in each text? Does the organization of the body paragraphs seem to have some sort of purpose and help to clarify the writers points or is there disorganization which seems to flutter back and forth between points? Can you suggest a clearer way to organize the paragraphs?
• Does each body paragraph have a main idea which is clearly stated in the first sentence?
• Is the writer summarizing the text enough? Too much? Summary should be approximately 25% of the essay with analysis (the writer’s own words) making up the remaining 75%.
• Does the writer use quotes to provide textual evidence for their analysis of the rhetorical strategies used by the author of both texts? (in the case of the TED TALK specific quotes are not required).
• Has the writer used parenthetical citations after quotes as shown in the direction for the essay?
• Does the writer focus on HOW Turkle supports her main idea rather than simply summarizing.
• Has the writer written enough to provide maximum analysis for both texts?
• Has the writer made connections between the TED Talk and the article?
III. Conclusion
• I am not super picky about the conclusions, but there needs to be at least a couple of sentences which bring the essay to a close.
IV. Format
• This is a rough copy, but reminder to use MLA format.
V. Length
• I did not specify a minimum or maximum number of words for this essay. I want students to try to get away from focusing on word count. Just because you reach the minimum number of words does not mean you have necessarily written as sufficient amount. Once you have covered each text and provided examples of summary and analysis you are done. BUT…for those of you that need a specific length I will say that I don’t think you can do a very good job of analyzing these two text in less than two pages.
VI. If you are present in class and peer editing a partner’s paper, make sure to give them some verbal feedback!