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Lesson 5

We will edit our revised literary analysis and publish the final draft.

Lesson Goals

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

  • Can I use effective formatting, style, and citations to present ideas for specific audiences and purposes?

Texts

Core

  • Tradebook
    • Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare, Folger Shakespeare Library, Simon and Schuster, 2004

Materials

There are no materials for this Lesson.

Activity 1: Write

We will edit our essays for spelling and grammar.

Conduct a spelling and grammar check for accuracy. When the computer prompts you with a red or blue line indicating an error, how do you know what fix is the right fix? (Hint: it will not always be the first choice.)

Activity 2: Write

We will edit our essay to include semicolons to link independent clauses.

Semicolons help to connect closely related ideas and can be used to make your writing more sophisticated. Semicolons are most commonly used to link together two independent clauses (complete sentences).

Below are some hard-and-fast rules about how to use a semicolon to connect related ideas:

  • A semicolon is usually used to connect two independent clauses (complete sentences). Semicolons can also take the place of commas to separate items in a list.

  • Sometimes, a conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase is used after the semicolon to introduce the next independent clause.

    • Conjunctive adverbs are words or groups of words that help tie together these independent clauses; however, in addition, and for example are common adverbs used for this purpose.

Scan your essay for a good place to use a semicolon to join independent clauses. Edit your essay to include it.

Activity 3: Write

We will edit our essay to maintain consistent verb tense.

When writing a literary analysis, the convention is to use the present tense. Even though Shakespeare wrote the play Romeo and Juliet in the past and you have also read it in the past, you will still use present tense verbs when writing about the text (i.e., “Shakespeare uses figurative language . . . .” “Romeo and Juliet fall in love . . . .”).

Reread your draft essay, highlighting the verbs you have used in your draft. Revise them for the following key issues:

  • Make sure you have used verb tenses correctly.

  • Make sure your verb tenses are consistent throughout your essay.

Activity 4: Write

We will publish our final work to express our understanding of Romeo and Juliet and the film adaptations.

Write or type the final draft of your essay. Be sure to conform to the established style guidelines.