Instructions
for Peer Review of Essay 3
Write a letter to the writer in which you address all of the
concerns identified below. You do
not have to answer these questions in a 1, 2, 3 manner, but you must respond to
all questions thoroughly and thoughtfully if you wish to receive full credit for
the review. When you complete your
review, send it to the writer via email and send a copy to me at rholejw@auburn.edu.
Type “Peer Review for Writer’s Name” on the subject line, and be
sure to include your name in the body of the letter.
Introduction:
Does the opening paragraph make you
want to read more? Describe how it
hooks you. If it does not capture your attention,, suggest how the writer might
revise the opening. (the more specific your suggestion, the more helpful the
writer will find your advice.)
A
Clearly Defined Thesis: What is the writer’s purpose? What
is the central point? Does the thesis make a clear, arguable claim about the
cultural meaning of the sign she is interpreting?
Originality: Does the essay demonstrate original
insight into the subject? Has the writer fulfilled the assignment in an
interesting way? Why or why not?
Development: Does the essay build upon each idea to
reach a conclusion? Are claims supported with evidence or examples that are
specific and not vague or overly generalized? Does the essay have a sense of
momentum that carries through until the conclusion? (You should point out where
links between ideas are made haphazardly or weakly or where the essay seems
formulaic or where different ideas are not connected strongly enough or where
ideas are not treated with enough depth.)
Transitions:
Does the writer use effective
transitions? Circle these and talk about them – Indicate any place, either
within paragraphs or between paragraphs where the writer appears to veer off
course and leave the reader confused.
Use
of Sources: Does the writer use quotations
effectively? Does he rely on them too heavily? Does the writer avoid “drop-in
quotes”? Are quotations integrated smoothly into the writer’s prose? Can you
hear the writer's voice or do the quotations write the paper? Does the writer
use paraphrase and summary effectively in the paper, citing all sections that
have originated from another source?
CONCLUSION:
Does the writer conclude the paper
effectively? Does the reader have a satisfying sense of closure? (Tell why the
conclusion is effective/ineffective. Make concrete suggestions for
alternatives.)
Suggestions
for Revision: What does the writer miss? What does
she need to focus on during revision? What does he need to develop further? Are
there any glaring gaps where the writer has not provided necessary information?
Give the writer at least three specific suggestions for revising this essay.
MATTERS
OF FORM:
Citation
format -- Does the writer use parenthetical citations correctly? Does the
writer follow MLA format? Is the Works Cited page formatted correctly?
Word
Choice
-- Does the writer use precise words that concisely say what the
writer seems to want to say? Underline words that you feel are inaccurate in the
paper and suggest alternatives based on what you hear the writer trying to say.
Sentence
structure
-- Are there any sentences that are unclear or awkwardly
constructed?