Definition Essay Critique
Before completing this assignment, please read Definition Essay Assignment Sheet and Rubric.
In order to understand how to write your paper, it is important to critique examples from previous students, and I give this assignment so that you can avoid the mistakes previous students made. On the next page, I attached a paper from one of my previous students, and this student received the same assignment sheet and rubric that you did. While there are some things that the student does well, there are still places in the student’s paper where s/he does not meet the assignment’s requirements. I did not change the student’s paper, other than to remove their name and other identifying information. This is the final paper that the student submitted to me.
Please read the student’s paper and answer the following questions. Write one paragraph per question, and be specific when answering each question.
• Read the first paragraph of the student’s paper. What background information does the student provide about Directioners? Do you have a clear understanding of who Directioners are after reading the introduction? Why or why not? Remember that it is the student’s job to provide background information about Directioners.
• Based on their writing style, how would you describe the student’s voice and personality? What is an example of the student using their personal voice within the essay? Remember that the Definition Essay can use a more fun and casual tone than the previous essay.
• What are three pieces of evidence that the student uses to support their definition of Directioners? Do these pieces of evidence strengthen the paper? Why or why not?
• Did you find the paper clear and easy to understand? Why or why not?
• Pretend that you are this student’s peer reviewer. What suggestions would you give to this student for how to improve their paper? Do not mention vague suggestions like “proofread” or “edit.” Instead, focus on the paper’s content and how the paper can meet the assignment’s rubric and requirements.
• What grade would you give this paper, and why?
