Fennewald

English III

2007-2008

“Where I’m From” Poem Final Draft Revisions

For your final draft of your “Where I’m From” poem, you will not revise as you have done in past years. Instead, you will reconstruct your poem. This means that no matter if you received an “A” or an “F,” you will still have plenty of revisions. To receive credit, you must “reconstruct” your poem. You will be required to do this in college and in future jobs.

Below is a list of criteria that I expect to find implemented in your final draft. To receive credit, you must implement at least TWO strategies from the list below.

Reconstruction strategies to implement:

1. Find three passages where you used phrases or words like “from rough times and hardships…” and explode the moment. Instead of using words that tell, use words that show such as “I’m from my parents’ bitter divorce and the separation of my familiar household.” The latter sentence creates a better image.

2. Revise the order of your poem. Experiment with your poem in a different order.

3. Delete passages and focus on two-three specific images. With these images, you should concentrate on adding as many sensory details as you can (think about all FIVE senses).

4. Add more material to your poem. Find other events that you could include in your poem. To add these, you might need to take out others.

5. Add sensory detail to words and phrases that are barren. For instance, describe the touch, taste, smell, sound, or smell of the fried chicken.

6. Change the perspective of your poem. Look at “where you’re from” from the perspective of someone else. For instance, you could write about “where you’re from” from the perspective of your friend.

7. If you used the template, adapt it and personalize it. Experiment with different formats.

8. Look at “where you’re going.” Add on an additional passage that includes where you’re going. This passage should include sensory details and specific events as well.

As noted in the final draft rubric, 25% of your final draft grade is noted in your use of revisions. I am focusing on your revision process more than I am focusing on your final draft product. Though I expect you to follow the rough draft guidelines, I intend for you to try out different revision strategies.