Instructions:

Question

Read the Methods of Providing Constructive Criticism, if you have not already done so.
Go to the Discussion assignment in Unit 2 Lesson 6 and read a few of your classmate’s stories in the posts. Choose ONE story to provide constructive criticism.
Complete the graphic organizer below, filling in all sections. Please write using complete sentences.
In the reflection section, highlight or underline at least 5 methods of constructive criticism you used when evaluating the article.

The air grew cooler , the silence broken only by the frantic beat of his own heart . Then,

a faint sound reached him - a soft humming, , gentle and soothing. Jorge felt a chill snake down

his spine. He wasn’t alone in this hidden passage. The humming grew louder, closer. Suddenly

the leather book in Jorge’s hand started glowing. It’s pages shimmered with a soft, golden light.

In the soft glow, Jorge saw emerald eyes blinking at him from the darkness. Jorge felt strangely

drawn to them as if they held secrets he desperately wanted to know.

“Who are you,” Jorge managed to ask, his voice barely above a whisper. A soft,

melodic laugh echoed in the tunnel. “I am Lyris, guardian of the passageways.” Guardian of

what?, Jorge was filled with curiosity. “I am the guardian of the knowledge that flows through

these tunnels. What brings you here, young man?” Jorge replied, “ I found this book and it led

me to this passageway.” Lyris suddenly became more visible. He had long, golden locks that

came past his shoulders, and was wearing a purple robe covered in stars. Lyris said, “I’ve been

waiting for someone to find that book. I gave the book to a young boy many years ago. His name
Hurst 2

was Marcus.” Jorge’s grandfather’s name was Marcus. Could it be that his grandfather had met

Lyris many years ago
“The person who was able to open the entry to the passageway with that book would be the
one with whom I share the knowledge that is found within these tunnels. You must tell no one
about this passageway. You and Marcus are the only mortals who know that this passageway
exists. You may visit anytime you wish. I will be here to help you find the answers to any
questions you might have.” Jorge was so excited to have a new adventure in his life. The first
thing he was going to do when he left the tunnel was to call his grandfather!

Things I liked about this story are:
Some suggestions for improvement are:
Possible Sentence Starters
Maybe you could…
I have a suggestion…
A possible change could be…
I have an idea…
I think it would be better if…
After reading the story, some questions I still have are:
Overall, the parts of this story that are effective or engaging are:

Reflection: In the chart below, highlight or underline at least FIVE of the methods of constructive criticism you used in your evaluation.

I complimented the author on the things they did well.
I was specific in my compliments.
I used a positive tone throughout my evaluation & ended on a positive note.
I focused on the work, not the person.
I provided an objective opinion.
I avoided using “You” statements. (Ex.- “You didn’t…” or “You shouldn’t…”)
I was specific in my recommendations for improvement.
I gave examples of how the story might be improved.
I asked questions about parts of the story that need clarification or more information.

Answer 1

Graphic Organizer for Constructive Criticism

Story Chosen: [Insert a title if available or write "Untitled" if not]

Things I liked about this story are: I really enjoyed the atmosphere you created in the beginning; the description of the cool air and the sound of the humming immediately set an intriguing and mysterious tone. Jorge's curiosity and the introduction of the guardian Lyris added depth to the narrative. The connection to Jorge's grandfather was a clever plot twist that emotionally engaged me as a reader.

Some suggestions for improvement are: Maybe you could provide more background information about the book. What kind of knowledge does it hold? This would help the reader understand its significance better. I have a suggestion to expand on Jorge's feelings during his encounter with Lyris. Describing his thoughts or emotions could enhance the reader's connection to the character. A possible change could be to add more dialogue between Jorge and Lyris to make their interaction feel richer. I think it would be better if you elaborated on the implications of knowing about the passageway, perhaps by hinting at future adventures or challenges Jorge might face.

After reading the story, some questions I still have are:

• What specific knowledge is Lyris willing to share with Jorge?
• How did the book come to be in Jorge's possession?
• Will there be other challenges that Jorge faces now that he knows about the passageway?

Overall, the parts of this story that are effective or engaging are: The mysterious imagery and the characterization of Lyris as a guardian are very effective in keeping the readers engaged. The unique blend of fantasy elements with a personal connection to Jorge's family history was captivating.

Reflection:

I complimented the author on the things they did well. I was specific in my compliments. I used a positive tone throughout my evaluation & ended on a positive note. I focused on the work, not the person. I provided an objective opinion. I avoided using “You” statements. (Ex.- “You didn’t…” or “You shouldn’t…”) I was specific in my recommendations for improvement. I gave examples of how the story might be improved. I asked questions about parts of the story that need clarification or more information.