WRITER’S WORKSHOP: PASS-AROUND ACTIVITY Ms. Wherry

What is the Pass-Around Activity? The Pass-Around Activity is a writing workshop that allows you to read and critique the writing of your classmates in order to influence and improve your own writing abilities.

How Does the Pass-Around Activity Work? These are the procedures for our Pass-Around Activity:  Step 1: Find your assigned workshop group and assemble yourselves into a circle.  Step 2: Begin with your paper on your desk. With each segment of this activity, you will pass the paper that you possess at the time CLOCKWISE.  Step 3: For every paper that comes across your desk, you will leave one positive remark and one piece of constructive criticism that relates to the segment that you are completing. You will initial your comments.  Step 4: At the end of the Pass-Around Activity, look carefully at the notes that your classmates gave you and consider how you can incorporate their suggestions.

Some Ground Rules…  We are focused on the work, not the person that who wrote it.  We are silent before, during, and after every segment of the activity.  You will be given a time limit for each segment. Work diligently in order to complete the task and leave your comments within the given time period.  Remember to initial your comments. You will be held responsible for what you choose to say, and will be graded on participation based on the presence of these comments.  Spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes are always fair game…if you catch a mistake, fix it for your classmate!

Let’s Get Started!

Segment 1 Focus: Structure  For this segment, you are looking at the following aspects of structure:  Does the writing contain… An introduction with a “hook” for the reader and a clear thesis statement? At least three body paragraphs that support the thesis? A conclusion that restates the thesis and connects all ideas within the writing without introducing any new ideas?  Do the introduction and conclusion paragraphs contain at least 2-3 sentences?  Does each body paragraph contain at least five sentences? You will have 8 minutes to read and comment on this segment

Segment 2 Focus: Organization  For this segment, you are looking at the following aspects of organization:  Does the writing make logical sense and have a distinct order?  Is the order for body paragraphs strong enough to show the author’s purpose? I.e. does he or she save the best for last, or start out with the strongest idea?  Does the writing contain organizational factors, such as transitions between paragraphs and clear openings and closings for every paragraph or idea within the piece? You will have 8 minutes to read and comment on this segment

Segment 3 Focus: Content  For this segment, you are looking at the following aspects of content:  Does the thesis statement give the reader a clear picture of what the writing is about, and does the writing deliver?  Is there enough high-quality evidence/information to support the thesis statement? Does the writer use… Facts? Quotes? Specific examples from a text or from life? You will have 8 minutes to read and comment on this segment.

Segment 4 Focus: Style  For this assignment, you are looking at the following aspects of style:  Does the writing contain… Functional yet interesting sentence patterns to convey the author’s purpose? Use of vivid and varied words? Creativity in ideas conveyed in the writing? Keep in mind, style is suggestive, but every writer has their own sort of “je ne sais quoi” that makes their writing unique! You will have 8 minutes to read and comment on this segment

Let’s Wrap Up…  You should now have your own paper on your desk.  Take a look at the comments left on your paper. If you cannot read the comment, or if you would like more clarification from a group member, please discuss these questions with each other quietly. Be sure to take into account all suggestions and remarks!  Begin tonight’s homework: Responding and Revising.

Responding and Revising  Respond to the following questions in complete sentences. I would like a paragraph for each question.  What was the best piece of advice that one of your classmates had for you?  How do you plan to implement their suggestion(s)?  What was, in your opinion, the most valuable compliment that you received? Why?  Please begin making revisions to your writing. Your responses will be due tomorrow, and your full revision will be due the following day.