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Lesson 4

We will peer review and revise our controlling idea in our Culminating Task essays.

Lesson Goals

  • Can I develop and clearly communicate meaningful and defensible claims that represent valid, evidence-based analysis?

  • Can I sequence and group sentences and paragraphs and use devices, techniques, descriptions, reasoning, evidence, and visual elements to establish coherent, logical, and well-developed explanations in my essay?

  • Can I use devices, techniques, descriptions, reasoning, and evidence to support and elaborate on coherent and logical explanations?

  • Can I apply correct and effective syntax, usage, mechanics, and spelling to communicate ideas and achieve intended purposes?

  • Can I use language and strategies to accomplish my intended purpose in communicating?

  • Can I revisit, refine, and revise my understanding, knowledge, and work based on discussions with others and feedback and review by myself and others?

Texts

There are no texts for this Lesson.

Materials

Reference Guides

Activity 1: Read – Discuss

We will engage in a peer review of the organization and coherence of our essays.

Cut the printed copy of your essay so that each paragraph is separate. Mix up the pieces. Trade paragraphs with a partner. Working individually, complete the following:

  1. Read each paragraph and write a brief note about the function of the paragraph on the back or in the margin.

  2. Arrange the paragraphs in the order they should appear in the essay.

  3. Highlight coherence markers and transitions that helped you determine the order.

  4. If there are paragraphs for which you cannot determine the order, mark them with an asterisk.

  5. Once you have the paragraphs in the proper order, go ahead and number them.

Meet with your partner to review and discuss your observations about the order and function of each other’s paragraphs. Be sure to provide feedback about how to improve the coherence, organization, conclusion, and introduction.

After the review activity, participate in a whole-class debrief to share insights and observations.

Activity 2: Read – Discuss

We will engage in a peer review of our content.

Trade drafts with a new partner. Use the Connecting Ideas Reference Guide to read through your partner’s paper four times with a focus on the following:

  • First Read: Focus on connecting your ideas.

  • Second Read: Focus on revising your style.

  • Third Read: Focus on revising your expression.

  • Fourth Read: Focus on editing for conventions.

During each reading, write notes for your partner about what is working effectively and what can be improved.

Refer to the Connecting Ideas Reference Guide to help direct your feedback.

Share your comments with your partner. Think about something you learned during this revision process. Share your ideas during a whole-class discussion.

Activity 3: Write

For homework, we will revise our essays based on peer review feedback.

For homework, revise your essay based on peer review feedback.