Editing Your Comparison/Contrast Essay

English Composition

Complete the Peer Editing Checklist

Remember as the peer editor, the writer is COUNTING on you, just as I am, to HELP. Point out what you believe are problem areas. Sincerely compliment the writer when you see some unique ideas or conclusions that have been drawn about the topic. Don’t just mindlessly complete the check sheet; anyone can do that and you are not just anyone, are you?

ORGANIZATIONAL PATTERN

Is the organizational pattern crystal clear to you as the editor of the paper?

Did the writer use the trait by trait or subject by subject pattern?

Look out for TRANSITIONS! These words are a must!

To compare: also, in the same way, likewise, similarly, in the same manner, just as, too

To contrast: although, and yet, but, but at the same time, despite, even so, even though, for all that, however, in contrast, in spite of, nevertheless, notwithstanding, on the contrary, on the other hand, regardless, still, though, yet

Eight Count

Eight Count is a method used to help you improve your word choice by making you aware of the level of your writing. You can’t fix it if you don’t know that it is broken, right?

1. Select 8 sentences

Divide run-ons; count as individual sentences.

Do not include introductions or conclusions.

2. Count words that have three or more syllables in those 8 sentences.

Eight Count

Do Count:words with three or

more syllables “higher level” one/two

syllable words or mature phrasing

Do Not Count: simple two syllable words

+ ing/ed/es any word more than twice a multi-syllable word used

incorrectly a proper noun words provided in the

prompt

3. Convert word count to grade level.

0-5 = 3rd grade vocabulary 5-10 = 5th grade vocabulary 10-15 = 8th grade vocabulary

15-20 = high school vocabulary 20 + = pre-college vocabulary

Eight Count

Ratiocination

Step 1: Using TWO different colored pencils, underline every other sentence throughout your essay with alternating colors.

Step 2: Circle the first word of every sentence in a new color.

Step 3: With another new color, place a triangle around any semicolons that you have used.

Ratiocination

Step 4: With your fifth color, draw a rectangle around transitional words and phrases. Transitions are essential in comparison/contrast papers. See page 70 of The College Writer if you are unsure of transitional words.

Step 5: Mark out these words and phrases: very, a lot, I think, I believe, I feel. Look for errors in pronoun antecedent agreement.

Step 6: Revise your paper based on findings.

Office 2007 Reference Tool

If you have used the reference tool in Microsoft Word 2007 to create your citation, it is probably correct. But double check to make sure that you have included the DATE YOU ACCESSED the website. As a researcher, you are covering yourself by including that date in case the information changed in the mean time.

Parenthetical Citations

The best rule of thumb for citations is that everything must be cited if it is numerical in nature. If it is not general knowledge, then it should be cited.

Correct citation….. “Fifty percent of the students live on campus” (Citation).

Numbers

Remember that Arabic numerals do not begin sentences. Write out the number!

When is my paper due?The final copy of your paper is due at the

beginning of the next class period. Your paper should be typed in 12 pt font and doubled spaced. Use a standard font that is easy on the eyes.

BE SURE TO USE SPELL CHECK BEFORE YOUR PRINT YOUR PAPER!

The heading for your paper should be in MLA format. If you have written more than one page, your last name and page number should be in the upper right hand corner. The Works

Cited page is the last page of your paper.

MLA Heading Format

TOP LEFT:Your first and last name

Mrs. Buche

EC/CR

Today’s date

Have you earned the maximum number of points offered on this assignment?

Graphic Organizer - 100 points

Peer Editing – 100 points

Ratiocination – 100 points

Parenthetical Citations/Works Cited – 100 points

Final Essay – 300 points