The conference process is designed to help you strengthen your narrative essay through structured peer feedback and intentional revision. This collaborative approach recognizes that your peers are part of your audience, and their insights can help you communicate your story more effectively.
Before Conference: You'll complete a brief writer's statement (150-200 words) that helps you reflect on your writing process and identify specific areas where you'd like feedback.
During Conference: You'll participate in focused, timed discussions where each group member evaluates different aspects of your essay using our rubric criteria. This structured approach ensures you receive comprehensive feedback on:
Writer's apparent purpose and narrative focus
Introduction and conclusion effectiveness
Organizational features: narrative structure, transitions, chronological flow
Development through concrete details, dialogue, and "showing vs. telling"
Language, style, and voice authenticity
Overall effectiveness, strengths, and areas for improvement
After Conference: You'll write a comprehensive reflection (300-400 words) that demonstrates your understanding of the feedback and outlines your revision strategy.
As a writer, you'll receive specific, rubric-based feedback to guide your revisions. As a responder, you'll practice evaluating narrative elements and providing constructive criticism that helps your peers improve their storytelling.
Remember: You don't have to implement every suggestion you receive, but you should carefully consider all feedback. Your peers' perspectives can reveal blind spots in your writing and help you see your narrative through fresh eyes. The goal is to make intentional, informed revision choices that strengthen your essay's overall effectiveness.
After conference, you'll revise based on peer feedback, then receive individual instructor feedback for further refinement. This multi-stage process ensures your narrative essay reaches its full potential before final portfolio submission.