Phil Druker/ Department of English/ UI  English317

404/505   //  Travel Writing

Assignment 2:  Destination Piece Workshop Discussion Points.

Name of author ____________________                  Name of reader ____________________

Content:

1. What part is most memorable? What do you like best?

2.   What’s the piece’s main point?

3.  How is the piece useful? What useful details does the author offer? What do you need/want more information about

4. Does the first sentence work? Does the opening paragraph work? Does the beginning hold your interest?

5.   Does the title work?

6. Where does the author use narration
   -- Does the narration help?  Does the narration convey useful details?  Is there too much/not enough narration?

7.  What sensory details were most effective?

8. Where does the author “show” best?  Where is the author “telling” rather than “showing”?

9. What do you want to know more about?

10. What do you want to know less about?  What should be left out?

11. Does the opening line work?  Does the opening paragraph work

12.   Does the ending work (bring a sense of closure)? Does the last sentence work?

Organization:

1.  Does the order of ideas work?

2. Do the paragraphs work (purposeful, one-topic paragraphs)?

Sentence style:

1. Did you have to re-read any sentences? Paragraphs?

2. Does the tone work?

3. Are there any clichés--trite phrases?

4. What’s the best sentence in the piece?  How does it sound when read out loud?

5.  Are there any sentences that slow the reader down/ make the piece difficult to read?

6. Are there sentences that need better language, more “spice,” better image?

General:

  Do you have any suggestions for the writer?