Writing Workshop, Day 1: Great Introductions

In today's class, we will be workshopping our introduction paragraphs for our next portfolio (a research essay using secondary sources to analyze Aldous Huxley's Brave New World, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Truman Capote's In Cold Blood, and Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart).

Bring four copies of your intro paragraph to class today. Hand three copies out (one for each group member) and keep one for yourself. (Note: If you are in a group of five, pass the fourth copy to your fourth group member.)

Writing Workshop Instructions:
1) Get into groups of four (with one group of five). Yes, we will use the magic sorting dinosaurs!
2) Write your name on top of the draft.
3) Read the introduction in front of you, check spelling, punctuation, word choice, and grammar.
4) Also check for comprehension. Does the paragraph make sense?
5) Check for engagement: does the introduction engage you? Do you want to read more?
6) Lastly, write two things you like about the intro. paragraph.
7) Write two things you think the writer should work on.
8) Repeat steps 1-7 for each paper.
9) At the end, give the writer feedback as a group so s/he can take notes and discuss.