Peer Review for Writing Project 3


Remember, good peer feedback is detailed and constructive.

Writer:  ________________________________________________________________________

Title:    ________________________________________________________________________

Peer Critic:  _____________________________________________________________________

 

  1. Read the draft straight through, simply for enjoyment, ignoring any errors.  Try to visualize the ad about which you are reading. What is your first impression?

 

Re-read the essay carefully and answer the following questions.

 

  1. Does the essay succeed in answering the assignment, i.e., does it focus on a single ad, making inferences about it based on some or all of its specific features? 
  2.  Good description is particular and vivid, offering plenty of sensory information.  Look closely at how the writer presents features of the ad and point out any particularly vivid description.  Then point out any places where you would suggest greater specificity or more detail.
  3. Does analysis make up the biggest part of the essay, or does the writer spend too much time describing the ad?  Does the analysis show in detail how the devices used in the ad work together to create a particular impression, to suggest certain thoughts, to trigger certain emotions and associations, and to exploit certain cultural assumptions?  Suggest improvements if and where necessary.
  4. Introduction:  Look at the beginning of the essay.  Is the beginning effective?  Does it capture your interest and build up fair expectations?  Does it relate the ad to wider cultural issues?
  5. Thesis:  Is the thesis specific about the way the ad uses particular devices to exploit the cultural beliefs, values, or fantasies of the target audience?  Is the thesis arguable (i.e., is it a personal opinion or, preferably, an assertion about which we could have a  reasoned debate)?  If not, suggest how the writer could improve the thesis to make it more arguable, specific, and complex.
  6. Conclusion:  Look at the end of the essay.  Does it give you a sense of completion or does it leave you hanging?  Suggest an alternative ending if necessary.