Self+Revision+CE1

SELF-ANALYSIS GUIDELINES FOR CAUSE-EFFECT #1 How I Became…

Answer carefully each of the following questions after re-reading your narrative. Also make changes on the draft itself that will help you when revising.

1. How’s the opening? What type of hook is used? (ie. Informational, question, anecdote). Does it move smoothly to the first part of the essay: My former self: who I was before…

2. Is my first section captivating? Does it introduce my former self through the use of vivid SDT techniques? Do I refrain from telling and commenting? Is it tight and focused?

3. Is the transition from this first section to the second section concise and clear?

4. Does my second section introduce the catalyst (person, event, experience, comment, conversation) for my change with the use of concrete detail or a “moment in time”?

5. Is the transition from this second section to the third section concise and clear?

6. Is my final section my strongest one? Does it clearly show what/who I became through the use of concrete detail or a “moment in time”?

7. Is my ending strong yet concise? Does it tie a ribbon around my essay package, if possible, by linking back to the opening?

8. Is my intended message clear by the end of the essay? Do I avoid including the statement, “Once I was. . . Now I am”? Is the message too clear (i.e. Is it repeated too often, using the same words over and over)?

9. Is the length of my essay appropriate (500-700 words)? Am I trying to do too much in each section? Are my transitions too long and repetitive? Reminder: Put word count on each draft.

10. What are two significant revisions I plan to make on this draft before submitting? (Note: Highlight areas that you want help with before printing your second draft for peer critique.)

After you have examined each of these areas, REVISE CAREFULLY! The next draft should be significantly improved from this first one. When I read your final draft, I will look to see that you made a strong effort to re-vision your writing. Note: For this essay you will receive a process grade for how well you have followed the process from the beginning to the end.