Peer Review Instructions: Read the paper of your peer carefully. Make any editorial corrections on the paper. Answer the following questions thoughtfully and clearly and make notes on the paper of your peer. Be as helpful as possible to the author of his/her draft. Use complete sentences and specific examples, and make notes and corrections directly on the writer’s draft as needed
- Organization:
- Is this draft organized in a standard pattern: an introduction, a body with supporting points presented in a logical order, and a concluding section that summarizes and analyzes the overall significance of the topic?
- Note on the paper where the organization seems to be ineffective.
- Did the paper follow the format of introduction, second strongest point, weakest supporting point, strongest supporting points, and conclusions?
2. Introduction: The first paragraph(s) should prepare the reader for the topic and position/argument presented in the paper.
a. Does the introduction explains the topic and its importance? Any suggestions?
b. Does the writer clearly define his/her position on the topic and/or define his/her purpose for writing (thesis)?
c. After reading the whole paper, explain whether you think the introduction effectively prepares the reader for the discussion or not.
3. Body: The body of the paper presents the supporting information for the topic/argument and should be divided into logical sections or sub-topics.
a. Do the body paragraphs support the thesis?
b. Is there information included that does not seem relevant to the stated thesis/purpose?
c. Are examples, statistics, and outside sources used to illustrate and support the writer’s argument?
d. Does the writer explain his/her reasoning clearly and effectively?
e. Does one point/section logically lead to the next point? Are the transitions used effectively?
4. Conclusion: Does the concluding section sum up—without being repetitive—the major points/conclusions of the paper? Does it offer suggestions for further research or action regarding the topic? Does it offer sufficient closure to the argument (and avoid bringing up new arguments)?
5. Style and Mechanics:
a. Are there grammar, spelling, and/or punctuation errors that distract the reader from the argument? Is there a specific area of weakness or pattern of errors that the writer should focus on?
b. Does the writer use sentence constructions and diction that are appropriate for the audience and purpose?
c. Are paraphrased, summarized, and/or quoted sources effectively incorporated into the writer’s paper? Are outside sources correctly cited?
6. Overall: How near to completion is this draft? What steps should the author take to complete this assignment? Be specific and helpful by listing the three most important steps the author should take:
a.
b.
c.
