Reading the Profile Critically
As a critical reader of this profile, you…
- Wrote briefly about the profile’s perspective on its subject or main insight into it.
- Considered the problem the writer identified.
- Made a scratch outline.
- Pointed out time markers and transitions that might improve the story.
- Let the writer know where the narrative arouses/holds your curiosity.
- Pointed out places where the dialogue fell flat, or suggested places where dialogue would help the profile.
- Told the writer if there was too much or too little information about the topic.
- Looked at the beginning… Did the opening get your attention? If not, suggest facts or anecdotes that might make a better opening.
- Looked at the ending… Did it leave you hanging, did it end too abruptly, or oversimplify?
- Looked at any visuals… Comment on the visuals. Suggest some ideas for visuals if there aren’t any.
- Evaluated the Writer’s role.
- Pointed out 2 or 3 examples of vivid description of people, places…
- Identified places where you would have liked more descriptive detail.
- Showed the writer you learned something truly interesting, surprising, or useful.
- Pointed out where info was too complex or incomplete.
- Asked for clarification, definitions, etc.
- Showed the writer where the interweaving of description and information seems out of balance.
Briefly stated the writer’s perspective on the subject.
- Underlined one or two places where the writer explicitly states or implies the perspective.
- Listened to the draft one more time, listening for unneeded or extraneous description or information.
Gave the writer your final thoughts.
- What’s the drafts strongest part?
- What part is most memorable?
- What part is weakest or most in need of further work?
Revision is due Tuesday, 12/12.
