Working in Writing Groups

Arrange Your Group in a Square
All writers should be on equal footing. Therefore, in a group of four, a square with all students facing inward in the best choice.

With fewer or more students, use a smart arrangement (3 = equilateral triangle, 5 or 6 = begin circling the group)

Follow This Procedure
Work on one paper at a time as a whole group.
Read each paper aloud and follow along as a group.
Make quick marks for positives and negatives of a paper as you follow along.
Take some quiet time after the essay is read to write more details about your positives and negatives for the paper.

Focus on large issues first--thesis, organization---and move down to paragraph, sentence, and words issues (in that order).
Discuss the essay (except for the writer who listens only)
Take a few questions from the writer
Write final comments to the writer
Pass back copies of essay to writer
Repeat process