Writer’s Memo

A Writer’s Memo is a memorandum from a writer to their readers, answering specific questions about how they composed a written draft. It asks the writer to use metacognition and reflection to produce a memo for their readers about the work being drafted. The use of such self-evaluation promotes self-reliance, independence, and autonomy. But the writer’s memo accomplishes more than simply helping writes become more effective readers of their own writing. It also positions readers – including teachers – to adopt constructive roles as respondents, rather than judges.

For every draft essay you turn in, a Writer’s Memo is required. And for any subsequent revisions, please provide an updated memo that reflects the changes you have made. With some flexibility, your memos are to address the following:

  1. In the first paragraph, briefly summarize your paper’s argument, clarify which essay you chose to analyze.
  2. In the second paragraph, clearly describe who your audience/reader for paper is and clearly describe how that audience affected the decisions you made while you wrote the paper.
  3. In the third paragraph, address your use of AI including but not limited to ChatGPT.  How did you use it?  What information or material did you use from your searches?  How did you use it to revise, edit, or proofread your draft?
  4. In the fourth paragraph, let me know the suggestions your group provided in peer review and how you incorporated that in your first revision
  5. In the fifth paragraph, clearly describe what you enjoyed the most about writing this paper and what you learned while writing the paper.
  6. Finally, in your last paragraph, clearly describe and point out particular concerns, questions you have about the draft that you want the reader specifically to address.

Please remember, that with any subsequent revisions that you want me to read, please provide an updated memo reflecting the changes you have made. As always, if you have any questions, please let me know.

Assessment Rubric

Exceeding | In responding to the Writer’s Memo assignment prompt, the writer demonstrates a rigorous and in-depth understanding of content and purpose through the development and support of their memo post. Appropriate organization and style is evident. [5 grade points]

Meeting | In responding to the Lx prompt, the writer demonstrates a thoughtful understanding of content and purpose through the development and support of their blog post. Appropriate organization and style is evident. [3 grade points]

Approaching | In responding to the Writer’s Memo prompt, the writer demonstrates an awareness of content and purpose and attempts to develop and support their Writer’s Memo. Appropriate organization and style is evident. [2 grade point]

Needing Improvement | In responding to the Writer’s Memo prompt, the writer demonstrates minimal or no attention to content and purpose. Blog post may be unsuitable, and/or the writer may not develop or support an argument. Appropriate organization and style might not be evident. [1 grade point]