Editing Seminar Oral Examination

[John Bailey]

Name:_______________________

Editing Seminar Oral Examination

Context: Part of the writing process is conferencing with others in a constructive and rigorous way to produce the best possible product. Editors act as a second and discerning eye on the project. It is the editor’s job to point out areas of the work that need development, example, detail, and further consideration as well as to correct the grammatical and structural aspects of the work. Your job as an editor is to maximize the product of the writer so that it fits the criteria that have been laid down by the publisher (for example, the key facts of a newspaper article not longer than 500 words, clarify the theme of a short story that is 3000 words, or the first draft of a script for a movie).

Procedure: In groups of 3 present a discussion to the class of an editing session. One person will produce a piece of writing. Two others will be the editors.

The editor’s job is to clarify the topic, suggest development through example, description, detail, dialogue, and word choice. Examine the writing that is there and tell why it works, or why it doesn’t.  
This must be a rigorous exercise.

Evaluation: (20 Marks based on the levels attained on the following rubric)

Discussion lasts 10 minutes minimum
Skillfully dialogues with author to clarify the author’s intent (purpose, audience, intent, format)
Suggests the proper genre format
Considers description, example, detail, proofs or dialogue as elements to develop and extend work if it is too short
Draws the author into a comfortable dialogue regarding the ideas of the piece
Suggests alternative ideas and richer examples or proofs
Motivates the writer through positive feedback and positive tips
Corrects grammar and mechanics of draft
Tightens structure of the work through paragraphing, topic sentences, suggesting emphasis and elaboration of key ideas,  etc