US Literature
Analyzing the American Dream: Organization and Content Workshop
WRITER’S NAME ____________________________
REVIEWER’S NAME __________________________
Read the entire analysis before marking anything on the essay.
ANALYZE THE INTRODUCTION SECTION
1. Does the introduction begin with a strong HOOK? Explain yes/no. If no, then suggest some alternative
ways of starting the essay.
AVOID: Hooks that begin “Webster’s Dictionary defines …” are stale – push beyond this.
AVOID: The “sweeping panorama” hook that is too general: “Throughout history…” or “Many
people consider…”
AVOID: Hooks that jump into the thesis statement too quickly. Develop your ideas; don’t just cut to
the chase – this is too abrupt for your reader
AVOID: Trite quotations from other people. “Famous quotes” from people like MLK, Jr. or Ghandi,
while interesting, are often over done. Choose these wisely.
2. How does the introduction describe/develop the “issue” of the American Dream? How does it show the
issue’s complexity, the “so what”?
3. Underline the THESIS. Evaluate its strength, specificity, and clarity. Eliminate SIGNPOSTING such as
“In this essay I will define the social construct XYZ” or other similar reader cues. If you see areas of
signposting, mark these on the writer’s essay. Remember: subtle signposting such as “In the essay” or
“I agree” are also to be avoided.
4. Good introductions set the stage for the analysis; they are not quick and abrupt. How does the author
develop the introduction paragraph? Is more development necessary? Suggest ideas to improve the
introduction.
5. What is the most effective part of the introduction? Explain why. Also, offer at least one specific
suggestion to the writer to help him/her improve the overall quality and/or content of the introduction.
Avoid suggestions such as “Improve the hook” – this is TOO GENERAL; be specific.
ANALYZE THE BODY OF THE ESSAY
Fill out the table below AND make specific comments on the writer’s paper regarding his/her evidence and
accompanying commentary/analysis.
Summarize the main
point(s) of the
paragraph
Describe the EVIDENCE provided
to support the paragraph’s main
point(s). Evaluate it
effectiveness. Is it SPECIFIC?
Does it reinforce/prove the
writer’s main idea?
Body ¶ 1
Body ¶ 2
Body ¶ 3
Body ¶ 4
Body ¶ 5
Use additional paper if necessary
Evaluate the writer’s
COMMENTARY or ANALYSIS of
the evidence and the issue.
Where is additional commentary
needed? Has all the evidence
been explained?
ANALYZE THE CONCLUSION
1. Evaluate how well the essay transitions from body to conclusion. Suggest revisions if necessary.
Remember, NO SIGNPOSTING (no “In conclusion” or “All in all”)
2. How does the essay conclude? What strategy(s) has the writer used to end his/her analysis of the
American Dream? Good conclusions are more than just summary – they extend the discussion beyond
the essay.
 Evaluate the importance of the essay’s topic
 Statement of the essay’s broader implications (move the local to the universal)
 A call to action
 A warning based on the information presented in the essay
 “Book ends” – conclude in the same way in which you hooked your reader. Finish the story, come
back to the quotation, etc.
 Create a final, lasting image or description
 Forecast the future based on the essay’s thesis
3. Is the conclusion fully developed or is there more that the writer needs to say? If more commentary is
necessary, suggest ideas the writer may include.
4. What is the most effective part of the conclusion? Explain.
Additional Notes: What else do you need to tell the writer about his/her paper? Are there places where
you were confused? Are there areas where they need more sources? Did they successfully convince you
that their point (thesis) was valid? If not, what do they need to do?