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Paper Conferences


In preparation for essay revision, all students are required to attend a paper conference of twenty minutes' duration. At this conference, the student and the instructor will discuss the paper's merits, as well as its deficiencies, based on the instructor's written commentary. It is the aim of the paper conference to provide for the student a directed critique which will aid in the revision process.

What to bring to the paper conference:

  •  Two copies of your paper--one for you, one for me.
  •  A folder for the paper to be revised and for all subsequent papers
  •  The completed  Conference Preparation Sheet (attached)
 What to expect at the paper conference:

By the time that you sit down with me for your conference, you will have had at   least two days to think about my written commentary. You should have ready any questions pertaining to this commentary. Some things to think about:

  • Have I been clear in my criticism? Do you understand the commentary? Can you read my handwriting? Are there instances where you disagree with my critique?
  • Have I been fair in my criticism? Given my commentary, is the grade you got the one you think that you deserved, or the one you expected? Be realistic, now.
  • How well were you prepared to complete the assignment? Did you give the paper your honest effort; did you give the assignment the attention it deserves? Did you reread the text before or during the writing process? Did you create an outline? Did you consult The Bedford Handbook when necessary? A dictionary? A thesaurus? Did you read, reread, and reread again? Did you give your peer editor's suggestions due consideration?
  • What are the paper's major flaws? Are they mechanical (grammar, word usage, phrasing, organization, quotation integration, format)? Are they argumentative (faulty or missing thesis statement, lapses in logic, sweeping or unfounded generalizations, misapplication or lack of textual evidence)? Are they a combination of things?
  • What are the paper's strengths? Can they be built upon? In what ways?
  • How do you plan to improve the paper?
Because our time together is fairly limited, it is important that you consider all of the above things before you set foot in my office. This is one instance where spontaneous thinking will surely fail you--when you show up, be ready to discuss revision strategies in a substantive and constructive manner. Remember, this conference is designed to help you. And as always, arrive at least five minutes earlier than your scheduled appointment.

Your conference day:  ______________________

Your conference time: ______________________