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?


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