Effective criticism is constructive, objective, and specific. It points out what was done well and provides recommendations on how to improve areas that need work, rather than being rude or attacking. Good criticism benefits the author by offering relevant and helpful feedback in a positive manner.

2. What is effective criticism?
 Effective criticism is appropriate and positive.
 Effective criticism is objective. It should not be
hatred towards an enemy or love towards a friend.
Be honest!
 Effective criticism is relevant, specific, and to the
point.
 Effective criticism MUST be constructive: how does it
benefit your peer?

3. Effective Criticism is NOT…
Only a few words/a lengthy
explanation with no actual help given
Rude, degrading comments
A yes/no answer to a question
An attack on the author

4. Compliments Make Everyone
Happy!
 In effective criticism, you should be positive! What
did the author do REALLY WELL? Tell them! Your
critiques won’t be as overwhelming if you tell them
what they did well too.
 Ex: I really liked how you used the quote from Walt
Disney in your first paragraph, but I think your
warrants that follow need some more explanations to
really prove your claim.

5. Be SPECIFIC!
 Don’t leave anything out—spell it out as best
as you can for your peers!
 Bad Example: Needs rewording.
 Good Example: Your topic sentence did not
flow as well as it could. Try adding in a
transition to help!

6. Point out the GOOD too!
 Let your peers know what doesn’t need revision
because it was already awesome!
 Bad Example: Good job!
 Good Example: I loved your refuting point! You really
convinced me to side with you and your language was
so vivid in doing so! Awesome!

7. Quick Review!
 Remember the point of peer reviewing is to
get a new set of eyes on the work to help
EVERYONE succeed!
 Don’t give weak comments out of laziness—
help each other out!
 Be specific, point out what is perfected, what
needs work, and how to fix it to make it
better!