For this activity, you will be critiquing your own work as well as the work of others. Your goal will be to follow the advice given in the unit and then reflect on the entire critiquing process.

Question

When answering the questions on the critique sheet, answer them to the best of your ability. Since the given passage is merely an excerpt, things like conflict or theme may not be discernable. Simply state this in your answer as not being evident or not able to be evaluated. Your grade will be based on the included rubric.

Part 1
Choose a piece of fiction or non-fiction text that you have written in the past, either recent or distant past are acceptable. The piece does not have to be complete; it can be a work in progress. In fact, it would be better if the piece you choose has not been edited or critiqued yet (though this is not a requirement).

Read through your piece of writing and make notes as you see fit. Fill out the included sheet, addressing all the questions, making comments and suggestions. If possible, copy and paste your writing into this assignment or take a photo, if you have a hard copy, and attach it.

Part 2
Now, you will be critiquing someone else’s work. You may choose to find an excerpt of text online or choose one of the included text excerpt choices.

You may choose to find your own piece online, or ask a peer if you can critique something that they have written. If you find your own piece online or use a peer’s, you must copy and paste it into this assignment to include with your critique. Ensure that the content is appropriate for school. Fill out the included critique sheet, addressing all the questions, making comments, and suggestions.

Part 3
Did you find it easier to critique your own writing or another person’s writing? Which did you enjoy doing more? Why? Please write at least one paragraph reflecting, explaining, and elaborating on this critiquing process.
Self-Critique Notes
Does your conflict have a purpose? Do the characters add to this conflict in a meaningful way?
Examine your focus. Is the topic too big or too narrow? Are you on track throughout the entire writing?
Look at the organization of your piece. Is it organized for clarity and flow? Is there room for improvement?
Are your characters believable in this text? Why or why not?
Review elements like characterization, symbolism, overall theme, and dialogue. How well did you address these elements? Is there room for improvement?
Do you still agree with what you have said in this text? Has your perspective changed at all?
Examine your conclusion. Does your conclusion have resonance, or a reverberation of your message? How so?
Any other thoughts or comments?

Critique of Another Writer’s Work
Does the text’s conflict have a purpose? Do the characters add to this conflict in a meaningful way?
Examine the text’s focus. Is the topic too big or too narrow? Is the text on track throughout the entire writing?
Look at the organization of the piece. Is it organized for clarity and flow? Is there room for improvement?
Are the characters believable in this text? Why or why not?
Review elements like characterization, symbolism, overall theme, and dialogue. How well did the writer address these elements? Is there room for improvement?
Do you believe that the author agrees with what they have said in this text consistently throughout? Does their perspective change at all?
Examine the conclusion. Does the conclusion have resonance, or a reverberation of the message? How so?
What are some aspects of this piece that really worked well? Any other thoughts or comments?

Answer 1

Part 1: Self-Critique

Excerpt from my writing: In the small town of Willow Creek, the shadows loomed larger as the sun dipped below the mountains. Emily could feel the chill creeping in, a reminder that summer was fleeting. She glanced at the old clock in the town square, its hands frozen at 3:15. Memories flooded her mind—laughter of friends, the smell of fresh pastries from Mrs. Thompson's bakery, and the promise of a bright future. But now, everything felt different. The whispers of change had begun to echo through the streets, and with them came uncertainty.

Self-Critique Sheet:

1. Does your conflict have a purpose? Do the characters add to this conflict in a meaningful way?

   • The conflict of change and nostalgia is present, but it's not fully developed in this excerpt. Emily’s reflections provide insight into her internal struggle, but I need to clarify what specific conflict she faces with the changes occurring in her town.

2. Examine your focus. Is the topic too big or too narrow? Are you on track throughout the entire writing?

   • The focus is a bit narrow, centering solely on Emily's emotions without explaining the broader context of the town's changes. I need to expand on what these changes are to give more depth.

3. Look at the organization of your piece. Is it organized for clarity and flow? Is there room for improvement?

   • The organization is mostly clear, but I could enhance the flow by linking Emily’s memories directly to the current changes in Willow Creek. I can also consider rearranging sentences for a better chronological or thematic flow.

4. Are your characters believable in this text? Why or why not?

   • Emily's character feels relatable due to her nostalgic thoughts, but without knowing more about her background and motivations, it's hard to find her fully believable. Adding details about her relationships in the town would help.

5. Review elements like characterization, symbolism, overall theme, and dialogue. How well did you address these elements? Is there room for improvement?

   • The theme of change and loss is hinted at but needs developing. There is no dialogue present, which could be a missed opportunity to show Emily's social connections. The old clock serves as a symbol but should be more connected to the narrative.

6. Do you still agree with what you have said in this text? Has your perspective changed at all?

   • I still agree with the general theme, but I feel that I need to delve deeper into Emily’s emotional arc and the specifics surrounding the changes in her town.

7. Examine your conclusion. Does your conclusion have resonance, or a reverberation of your message? How so?

   • This excerpt does not have a strong conclusion yet, as it ends on a note of uncertainty. I need to think about how to close the piece or lead into further exploration of Emily’s journey.

8. Any other thoughts or comments?

   • I recognize the need for more context and depth in my writing. This critique highlights the gaps in character development and plot clarity that I need to address in future revisions.

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Part 2: Critique of Another Writer’s Work

Excerpt from another writer's text: The city was alive with noise and energy, every street bustling with people in a hurry. As the rain poured down, it reflected like shards of glass, splintering lights overhead into a kaleidoscope of colors. Michael stepped into a small café, seeking refuge from the storm. Inside, the aroma of coffee and pastries enveloped him, a stark contrast to the chaos outside. He took a seat by the window, watching as the world blurred into a watercolor of movement and sound.

Critique Sheet:

1. Does the text’s conflict have a purpose? Do the characters add to this conflict in a meaningful way?

   • There’s a subtle conflict suggested through Michael's desire for refuge amidst chaos. However, more context is needed regarding what he’s escaping from or seeking.

2. Examine the text’s focus. Is the topic too big or too narrow? Is the text on track throughout the entire writing?

   • The focus feels appropriately narrow—centering on Michael's immediate experience in the café. However, without knowing what he’s escaping from, it feels incomplete.

3. Look at the organization of the piece. Is it organized for clarity and flow? Is there room for improvement?

   • The piece is well-organized, with a clear flow from the city’s chaos to the tranquility of the café. It could benefit from transitional phrases to guide the reader smoothly between scenes.

4. Are the characters believable in this text? Why or why not?

   • Michael is believable within the context provided. His reaction to the rain and the café environment feels genuine. More backstory or internal thought could enhance his depth.

5. Review elements like characterization, symbolism, overall theme, and dialogue. How well did the writer address these elements? Is there room for improvement?

   • The imagery is strong, with the rain serving as a symbol of chaos and the café as a refuge. However, without dialogue, the emotional resonance could be challenged; incorporating conversations could elevate the narrative.

6. Do you believe that the author agrees with what they have said in this text consistently throughout? Does their perspective change at all?

   • The author maintains a consistent perspective of finding solace amidst chaos. There is potential for exploring how Michael’s thoughts evolve as he reflects on his surroundings.

7. Examine the conclusion. Does the conclusion have resonance, or a reverberation of the message? How so?

   • The excerpt lacks a conclusion; it feels more like an introduction to a larger narrative. I would suggest expanding it to provide closure or hinting at Michael’s next actions.

8. What are some aspects of this piece that really worked well? Any other thoughts or comments?

   • The vivid imagery and sensory details are strong aspects of the piece. The contrast between the storm outside and the warmth of the café creates an inviting atmosphere, but I encourage the author to delve deeper into Michael's emotional state for a more profound impact.

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Part 3: Reflection

I found critiquing my own writing to be both challenging and enlightening. It was easier in the sense that I was intimately familiar with my intentions and motivations behind my choices. However, confronting the shortcomings in my work required a level of honesty that isn't always comfortable. I enjoyed critiquing another writer's work more, as it offered a fresh perspective and allowed me to appreciate their creativity while also identifying areas for improvement. This process not only helped me think critically about what makes a narrative effective but also provided me with valuable insights that I could apply to my own writing. Overall, the experience reinforced the importance of feedback and reflection in the writing process.