Revision Lab Guide Worksheet Revision Lab
Graphic Novel Analysis Peer Review
Editor:
Author:
Complete one "Mission" at a time. Leave specific comments in Google Docs (Ctrl+Alt+M). Ensure the author is using graphic novel terminology correctly!
Mission 1
The Blueprint (Thesis & Logic)
1. Highlight the author's thesis statement. Is it a clear and arguable claim?
Yes
No (Suggest adding focus)
Guided Question:
In your own words, what main argument is the author making about the graphic novel?
Mission 2
The Proof (Textual Evidence)
Dialogue/Text Checklist
Quotes from balloons/captions
Cited with page numbers
Not just a "quote dump"
Analysis Checklist
Explains why text is important
Connects back to the thesis
Mission 3
The Graphic Lens (Visual Analysis)
Term Check: Ensure the author uses graphic novel terminology to describe the visuals. They might use terms like these (but are not limited to them):
Structure
Panel/Frame
Gutter
Splash Page
Technique
Graphic Weight
Composition
Background
Foreground
Critique the Visual Evidence:
Does the author explain how the visual placement (foreground vs. background) or the graphic weight changes the mood?
Mission 4
The Polish (Flow & Grammar)
The Whisper Read
Read a paragraph quietly. Check below if you found a confusing sentence and commented on it.
"I helped the author fix a clunky sentence!"
Technical Accuracy
Are book titles (graphic novel titles) correctly italicized ?
"Checked for italics!"
Once finished, return this sheet to the author and review your comments together!
Revision Lab Slides Revision Lab
Graphic Novel Workshop Edition
VIEW
ANALYZE
POLISH
Mission 1: The Thesis
8 MIN
1
Find the Thesis Statement (Check the end of the Intro).
2
Does it make a clear, arguable claim? Highlight it and leave a comment if it needs more focus.
Mission 2: Evidence
10 MIN
Step 1: The Check
Is there a quote from a bubble or caption?
Is there a page number in ( )?
Did they explain the quote in their own words?
Analysis Test
If the quote is longer than the explanation, it's a quote dump. Leave a comment to expand!
Step 2: Write Feedback
Comment Starters:
"How does this dialogue help prove your thesis about [Topic]?"
"This quote is strong, but you need to add the page number."
"Try adding 1-2 more sentences here to explain why this quote matters."
Mission 3: Visual Lens
15 MIN
Look for terminology:
Panel/Frame
Graphic Weight
Gutter
Foreground
Splash Page
Background
Ensure the author describes image details using specific vocabulary.
Level Up Your Feedback:
Check if the author explains how graphic weight or visual placement contributes to the mood or meaning.
Mission 4: Clarity
7 MIN
The "Whisper Read"
Read it quietly. If you run out of breath, the sentence is too long. If you stumble, the wording is clunky.
"Try breaking this into two sentences!"
Graphic Novel Style
Check Italics
The title of the graphic novel should be italicized every time it appears.
Lab Complete
Return the worksheet and doc to the author. Spend the last few minutes discussing your top feedback points.
Exchange & Discuss!
Revision Lab Teacher Guide Facilitation Guide
Revision Lab: Graphic Novel Analysis Workshop
Workshop Focus
In this session, students move beyond traditional textual analysis to evaluate how their peers have synthesized visual and verbal evidence . The addition of "The Graphic Lens" mission ensures students are using academic terminology (Graphic Weight, Background, Foreground) to ground their analysis in the medium's unique affordances.
Graphic Novel Specific Scaffolds
• Visual-to-Verbal: Many 10th graders struggle to "describe" an image in writing. If an editor notes that an author is "pointing at an image" without describing it, have them suggest specific details like Graphic Weight or Background/Foreground contrast.
• Terminology Check: Circulate during Mission 3. Ensure students aren't just saying "the drawing" but are using terms like panel or graphic weight .
Quick Specs
Grade Level
10th Grade ELA
Duration
55 Minutes
Medium
Graphic Novels / Comics
Key Terminology
Graphic Weight, Background, Foreground, Panel, Gutter, Splash Page.
Workshop Timeline
0:00-0:05
Setup
Ensure editors have "Commenter" access to Google Docs. Hand out Mission Guides.
0:05-0:13
Mission 1: Thesis
Intervention: Check if the thesis is clear and arguable. Push them to evaluate the author's specific focus.
0:13-0:23
Mission 2: Evidence
Focus on textual evidence (captions/dialogue) and correct MLA citations for comics.
0:23-0:38
Mission 3: Graphic Lens
The core of today's work. Students evaluate how the peer uses specific terminology like Graphic Weight . Major ADHD Scaffold: This is the longest chunk; check in with "at-risk" students at the 7-minute mark.
0:38-0:45
Mission 4: Polish
Whisper Read Phase: Encourage students to check for correct italicization of titles (e.g., Persepolis or Maus ).
0:45-0:55
Direct Exchange
Peer discussion. Students return the guides and spend the remaining time talking through the feedback left on the document and sheet.
ADHD & Learning Disability Scaffolds
ADHD Focus
Use the slide deck timers strictly. Transition immediately to prevent "deep diving" into one paragraph.