Questions for FSB posts

1. Is there a clear, argumentative thesis? Please identify it.

1b. Are the name of the author and the name of the work immediately, correctly identified?

2. What support does the writer offer for the apparent thesis? Are there applicable direct quotations from the text? Are they introduced properly (we can talk about this--See below)?* Are these the best examples to strengthen the thesis? Can you think of other parts of _FSB_ that might be more applicable? After direct quotation, has the writer analyzed the text or are quotations left to stand alone? Does the analysis connect to the thesis?

3. What parts of this post seem like summary? Are there places where this summary doesn't help the argument? Are there places where a bit more summary is necessary? Remember, we should assume that a reader of this post is familiar with the book but looking to the post to be reminded, instructed, persuaded.

4. What are possible counter-arguments to the thesis? Have they been addressed? Identify some counterarguments and help your group members refute them.

5. Identify mistakes in grammar, punctuation, spelling. Be polite, but not too polite!

6. Is the writer's opinion used as proof? Remember, opinions are terrific, but there's a difference between an opinion and proof. Though you're arguing a case, and that is, of course, a form of opinion, there's a way to do that with direct statements of fact. Be confident in your arguments and support everything.

7. Are there places that don't follow the thesis, that seem to get off track? Why do you think the writer included those? Are there ways that they can be integrated into the thesis, or should they be taken out?

Please read each post once before writing anything. Then, while re-reading, answer as many of these questions as you can and post your answers in a comment to the writer. You'll have about 30 minutes for each person in your group. Make sure to check in with each member of the group. You might be able to speak your concerns more easily than you can write them.

I'll be circulating in class to check on your progress. I want to meet with each of you to talk about the thesis you've developed.

Good luck.