Writing a Peer Review: Questions to Answer

Peer Review
Revisiting the process
Write 2 – Get 2

Peer Review Requires
Trust
Interdependence
Making each other better

Those Qualities in Action
“This Woman’s Work” – Notice the absolute trust that Melissa places in Ade. He never lets her down.
“Battlefield” – Observe Jeanine and Brandon’s trust in each other to do the right move at the right instant. Without it, the dance would not succeed.
How does trust, interdependence and making each other look good create the best result for both in each partnership?

Write comments directly on the other student’s paper.
All questions must be answered.
Submit a copy of your review to me by photocopying the paper or emailing a copy to me.
Write 2 Reviews

Does the first sentence make you want to keep reading? How could it be improved?

Identify the thesis statement, which is the main idea of the entire essay. Copy it and/or mark it on the paper.

After reading the thesis statement, describe the roadmap for the essay.
Think More Than Feel

How is the relationship of each paragraph to the thesis statement made clear?
It should be easy to follow the roadmap.

Where is more detail needed?Do not suggest detours – keep to the roadmap.

Where does the writer take a detour that distracts from the main idea?

Focus Your Camera
Enjoy the scenery.
Watch for the *FANBOYS!
Check each paragraph for a topic sentence.
Look for at least three details that support and develop the topic sentence.
How do transitions link the ideas within a paragraph?
Are any overused?
Beware of excessive coordinating conjunctions.*

Do you arrive at the destination that you expected from the initial roadmap?
How well does the conclusion satisfy?

Do not allow your classmate’s writing to be sucked dry of meaning!
Put a stake through them!
Vampire Words

Look For Expressions that Have Been Through the “Blander”
Clichés & Worn-Out Language

How Distracting Were the Potholes?
Grammar, Punctuation, Spelling or Usage

What is the paper’s greatest strength?
“Nothing” is not an acceptable answer.

What do you think the writer’s first priority should be in revising?
“Everything” is not an acceptable answer.

Remember that I can’t give points for something I never see.
Send me copies at
dsturgess@national.edu.