Today’s lesson is all about refinement. Students are moving from draft writers to editors of their own work. Before we can polish and perfect our essays, we need to make sure every essential element is in place—from proper MLA formatting to well-structured paragraphs. Think of this stage as tightening the bolts on an already assembled machine: everything should be working, but a few adjustments will make it run smoothly.
Linking Verbs Quiz
To start the class, have students complete the Linking Verbs Quiz as a quick grammar warm-up. This short activity helps reinforce proper sentence structure and verb use, both of which are crucial for writing fluid, clear essays.
Essay Checklist for Rough Draft Completion
Before submitting essays for peer review tomorrow, students must ensure that their drafts meet all structural and stylistic expectations. Distribute or display the Essay Checklist below and have students go through it carefully, checking off each section as they confirm completion.
Essay Checklist
MLA Formatting
My essay is in Times New Roman, size 12, and double-spaced.
My name, teacher’s name, course, and date appear in the upper-left corner of the first page.
I have a properly formatted header with my last name and page number on each page.
My title is centered (no bold, underline, or italics unless part of a title).
Introduction
My introduction begins with a hook that grabs the reader’s attention.
I have included background information to set up the essay topic.
My thesis statement clearly presents my argument or main idea.
Body Paragraphs (PEEL Format)
Each body paragraph begins with a clear point related to my thesis.
I have used evidence (quotes, examples, or references) to support my ideas.
I have explained how the evidence supports my point.
I have linked each paragraph back to the thesis and ensured transitions are smooth.
Conclusion
My conclusion restates the thesis in a new way.
I have summarized my main ideas without repeating the exact words from my body paragraphs.
I ended with a final thought that leaves a strong impression or broader connection.
MLA In-Text Citations & Works Cited
Every quote or paraphrased idea has a correct in-text citation (Author page#).
My Works Cited page is formatted correctly in MLA style.
The Works Cited page is alphabetical and follows MLA punctuation and spacing rules.
Finish Rough Drafts
Once students have reviewed the checklist, the remainder of class should be dedicated to completing and polishing their essays. Encourage them to read their work aloud quietly—it’s one of the best ways to catch awkward phrasing or missing words.
Remind students that all essays must be complete for tomorrow’s class, as they will be participating in peer editing. The stronger and more complete their drafts are, the more useful the feedback session will be.