posted
I have an essay due tomorrow at 5:30 PM, and I could really use an educated critique of my paper. It's a small graduate class, so I never see my classmates outside of class. I don't know anybody who can give me a good critique, so I thought of hatrack! There are tons of smart people here! (Okay, it's flattery--but at least it's true.)
This was one of 2 short (4 page) essays that we've had to write this semester, and I didn't do so hot on the first one. Granted, I didn't have a lot of time to work on it, and life always seems to interfere in big ways--but I can't let that happen this time. I neeeeeeeeed a good score on this essay. If I don't earn a good score, my very graduation is in jeopardy... Ack! So, anyway...
Here's the assignment: Choose one paradigmatic scene from Maria, Frankenstein, or Northanger Abbey. Argue for its functional purpose. Read it closely--lots of detailed analysis--but use it as a crux of one critical inquiry of the novel.
I chose Frankenstein because I had the best notes for that book and thought I could write the best essay. I chose a storm scene. One of the drawbacks is that it doesn't have a lot of dialogue, but I think that there was plenty enough to write about.
My weaknesses:
1. Repetition--I have a tendency to repeat points without meaning to. There is usually a subtle but significant difference, at least to me, in the points, but the teacher doesn't always see it that way. I've tried to avoid that here, but I'm not sure that I've succeeded.
2. Carrying through with an image--on the last essay, I used a compelling image at the beginning of the essay, but I didn't carry it through to the end. I suppose I should have. I think I have done that here, but perhaps not effectively.
3. Not enough depth--Maybe I'm just a shallow person, but sometimes what I call depth, the teacher calls a weak argument. I want to know where people think I should expand my argument. (This really is tough for me! I have a much better time developing my thoughts in our discussions rather than on my own when writing.)
The essay only needs to be 4 pages long, but mine is 4 1/2, that means a 1/2 page could be cut without pain. More, if I need to expand in other areas.
I know that critiquing an essay is usually not the funnest thing in the world, but if it's something you enjoy, please pm me with your email address (uh, do we have pm's here??) and I'll send it to you. You don't have to have read Frankenstein, but it helps.
There should be very few grammatical errors, I'm pretty good about catching them, however, some might have slipped through when I was rewriting parts of sentences. So, I'm not really looking for someone to edit my paper, but to critique the content.
Thanks so much, Katarain
Posts: 2880 | Registered: Jun 2004
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posted
Okay, so the PM thing looks like a no-go, especially since I have email address set to private--and I don't even remember which address I used to create this account.
So anyway, if you want to critique the paper, email me at katarain@yahoo.com. Also, post here so that I know to check my email.
posted
I have an exam today, but I can take a look at it this afternoon. I know a thing or two about Frankenstein, but I'm only an undergrad, so I'm not sure how much I could help...
Posts: 1762 | Registered: Apr 2006
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posted
I sent you an email. You will need to respond to my work email address, but I sent it in the text of the message.
Posts: 2445 | Registered: Oct 2004
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posted
Many thanks to Euripides and lem for their excellent critiques! I think they've made a great difference in my paper. I'm now on the 5th draft and I've got 3 hours to go until class... I'm still going to work on it, but I doubt I'll be making any major changes. (Maybe.)
(If someone out there still wants to read it and maybe even give some feedback, I will still definitely appreciate it, but it's not as dire as it was yesterday. But one can always improve... ALWAYS.)
I just hope that I won't be unpleasantly surprised next week when she gives the essays back and I find out that the paper is bad after all.
Posts: 2880 | Registered: Jun 2004
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posted
Hey, thanks for sending it! That is a good paper. I think it deserves an A. It was fascinating and fun to read.
Posts: 2445 | Registered: Oct 2004
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posted
Aaah, you're too kind. Now when I get a C, I'm gonna have to come back and blame you for getting my hopes up. But thanks... (I still think it's too kind!)
Posts: 2880 | Registered: Jun 2004
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posted
I'm not kind. You are gifted with imagery and very good at tying it to your message. However if you get a C (which I really doubt), blame Euripedis!
Posts: 2445 | Registered: Oct 2004
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posted
Got my grade! B+! I think it woulda been higher, but I could have had smoother transitions, and I actually missed a comma splice! Yikes! (I saw the splice after I turned it in; but, of course, there was nothing to do about it at that point.) Anyway, I was very relieved when I saw the grade, and I said so, saying I had worked very hard on it. The professor agreed, saying that she could tell. Methinks she was very impressed after the crappy paper I turned in last time.
So hatrackers, if you're ever looking for good critiquers, look for Euripides and lem. I couldn't've done it without them. Thanks!
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