Editing & Revising Day

“Of Mice and Men” Essay(Your title will be much more interesting

than that!)

1. What’s My Point?• Identify your thesis statement by

circling or highlighting.• Identify the topic sentence of each

body paragraph by circling or highlighting.

CHECK• Are all 4 sentences arguable? (not

facts of the book)• Do your topic sentences work to

support your thesis?

2. Do I Make My Point?

For each body paragraph:• Identify what claims you will have to

explain in order to fully prove your point – underline these claims.

EXAMPLE “In killing Curley’s wife, Lennie

becomes a victim of discrimination.”

EXAMPLE “In killing Curley’s wife, Lennie

becomes a victim of discrimination.”

CHECK• Do you explain each thing you identified

as necessary in order to fully prove your point?

3. Do I Support My Point?

You need to use quotes to support claims.Use discretion to decide which facts need

quotes.• Identify what claims you make about the text• Identify facts that are central to your

argument and need a quote to support them.CHECK• Do you have a quote to support each claim

that you make?• Does each quote have a reference?

(Steinbeck 12)

CLAIMS:

• George and Lennie are friends.

• Slim does not trust Curley.

FACTS:

• George takes care of Lennie.

• Some people suspect that Slim is spending inappropriate time with Curley’s wife.

4. Do I Explain My Quotes?

• Check each quote you use – make sure that you give an explanation after the quote that shows how that quote helps to support your point for that paragraph.

5. Do I Follow Essay Structure?

INTRODUCTION Begin with a general statement that speaks to

the BIG IDEA of your essay and grabs the attention of your reader.

Tell what text you will be writing about (include the author’s name)

Give whatever contextual information you need to give to move from your general statement to your thesis.

The last sentence of your introduction is your thesis statement.

5. Do I Follow Essay Structure?

BODY PARAGRAPHS1. Begin with a topic sentence.2. Make your argument (as we have discussed)3. End with an end sentence that reminds the

reader what the arguable point of your paragraph was.

5. Do I Follow Essay Structure?

CONCLUSION The goal of the conclusion is to wrap up your

essay and to remind your reader of your argument.

1. Begin with restating your thesis in new words.2. Briefly summarize your three main ideas (the

points of your body paragraphs).3. The last sentence of your conclusion is a

general statement that leaves your reader with a lasting impression. It is not about the text – it is bigger than the text.

NO NEW IDEAS GO IN THE CONCLUSION!

6. How’s My Writing?

DO:• Use proper spelling and grammar• Use formal language• Consider your word choiceDO NOT:• Use “I”• Use contractions (can’t, won’t, don’t, didn’t)• Uses slang

7. How Do I Use MLA?

MLA FORMAT• Times New Roman 12 Pt. Font –

everything• Double-Spaced• First Page & Page #s

This is on my website under grade 10 assignments.

8. Double-Check!• Use the checklist on your rubric to double-

check that you have not missed anything.

REMEMBER – many marks are lost on many assignments merely because directions are not followed. Being in the habit of double checking your work will result in improved grades in all your classes.

9. What Do I Hand In?

1. Your Brainstorm2. Your Plan3. Your Rough Draft (showing your

editing!)4. Your Good Copy5. Your Work Cited Page 6. Your Rubric7. Your book with your name in the

front cover and your sticky notes