Name:________________________________________
Hour:___________
D EFINITION E SSAY – S ELF -E DIT
Organizational Structure: Unified
Focus
Idea Development
Categories
Descriptors
EVIDENCE
Multiple uses of concrete,
specific, and
accurate details to develop a
focused, enlightening
definition of the abstract term.
Pairs generalizations with
specific examples. Elaborates
thoroughly and carefully to
clearly represent the term’s
meaning. (Two textual
references should be made to
any text we’ve studied.)
What is my most effective use of evidence to support/develop an idea?
Thesis specific, focused, easy
to identify, answers prompt.
Each supporting point is
driven by a clear, concise
topic sentence and connects
back to the thesis statement.
Paragraphs sequenced
logically to build momentum,
make logical connections
between ideas.
Mark your text:
Underline/star your thesis
Circle the key words in your thesis that come from/answer the prompt
Box each topic sentence (even delayed/late TS), and circle key words in TS that connect back to thesis/set focus
for paragraph.
Which paragraph is most in need of additional evidence/descriptive detail to make clear my point?
Note the sequencing of your paragraphs. What would change about your essay if you changed the sequence of
those paragraphs? Does your strongest argument fall in a position where it will most impact your reader?
Organizational Structure:
Relationship with Reader
Transitions used (single word,
phrase, repetition) between
ideas to create a coherent
flow throughout the essay
Specific Focus: Definition as
pattern of inquiry
Author uses introduction to
set focus, attract reader’s
attention, establish common
ground. Sufficient context
(rationale/background) given
to establish purpose, clarify
examples. When necessary,
counterarguments addressed.
Ideas drawn together to give
reader sense of closure,
connection beyond the text.
Organization
al structure:
Coherence
Name:________________________________________
At least five different aspects
of definition used; paragraphs
draw upon a variety of
example types (description,
anecdote, fact/example, etc)
to develop ideas. Different
ideas fused together to give a
clear definition of the term.
Hour:___________
What technique do you use to grab your reader’s attention/establish a connection with your reader?
What context is necessary for your reader to understand your thesis/argument?
Highlight all transitions. Note the number of single word transitions, phrase transitions, and uses of
parallelism/repetition to build coherence. Is there any shift in ideas in your essay that is not bridged by a
transition?
Label the aspects of definition and the different patterns for paragraph development. Do you vary your patterns
for paragraph development, or does every paragraph follow the same pattern?
Given the chance, would you choose a different pattern – where, and why?
Which pattern do you believe you use most effectively? Explain.
Name:________________________________________
Word Choice/Diction
Implements precise, vivid,
natural language through
strong verbs and concrete
nouns while avoiding
intensifiers, overuse of
adjectives, and clichés.
Words used accurately,
reflect mature understanding
of language; level of diction
appropriate for topic,
relationship established with
audience.
Highlight your top twenty detail words. Don’t have twenty? That’s a sign….
After identifying your weakest and strongest use of descriptive detail, ask yourself: what makes my strong
example strong, and how can I apply that strength to my weak example?
Conventions
Convention use supports
accurate, easy reading of
author’s work, show careful
proofreading on part of
author.
Hour:___________
TOTAL: