The purpose of this form is to enable reviewers to collect their thoughts before sharing them orally with writers. As a reviewer, you can write on these forms in bullet points or “shorthand” because they are primarily intended for your eyes. If you wish, you can share your forms with writers, but it it not required.
In addition to using the form, mark up exercises, noting sentences/words/phrases you found interesting or perceptive or had questions about.
- What is most interesting or powerful about this exercise and the choice of a particular treasured object? Is there anything more you want to know about the appearance of the object or the way the writer obtained/created it? Can you visualize it in your mind?
- Identify some different narrative directions in which the author might take this piece. In other words, could the writer focus on an event, a relationship, changes in their identity over time? How much “backstory” does this object need?
- Would the first paragraph work well as an introduction to an essay? Why? Why not? Suggestions for improvement.
- Other suggestions?