Reading and answer questions

[CHOICES] Writing is a process of deliberation. It involves identifying and enacting choices, strategies, and moves.

[LITERATE PRACTICES AND PROCESSES] Meaningful writing is achieved through sustained engagement in literate practices (e.g., thinking, researching, reading, interpreting, conversing) and through revision.

Here's your opportunity to practice providing feedback on a rhetorical analysis before commenting on your peers'. Read a few of the sample student essays then answer the following questions for at least two of the sample student essays (responses should be 150+ words each). Make sure to reference specific elements of the text in your peer review. A "generic" peer review or one that shows little engagement with the text will not receive full points.

1.What are some of the strengths of the essay? Consider referencing a specific sentence or paragraph and explaining why you believe the section is noteworthy.

2.Does the introduction establish the context of the text; ie, does it provide enough background information to situate the text within a specific conversation? Does anything need to be added? Cut?

3.Does the summary accurately and succinctly give an overview of what the original text? Does anything need to be added? Cut?

4.What is the thesis statement? Does the thesis focus on the text and not the s

ubject matter or argument?

5.What claims does the writer make in support of the thesis statement?

6.Does the writer effectively use specific quotations from the original article being analyzed? See Stacie's article on quotation sandwiches to evaluate the effectiveness.

7.Does the writer need to provide additional claims to support the thesis? What ideas do you have for additional claims? Is each claim sufficiently developed? What details would strengthen any of the claims?

8.Does the conclusion make an argument about the overall effectiveness of the text in persuading its intended audience?

9.Does the essay focus on the rhetorical elements of the text (context, intended audience, use of logos, pathos, ethos, use of rhetorical strategies such as style, arrangement, emphasis, impact/effect on the audience, etc.)? Are any of these elements underplayed or overemphasized?

10.How is the essay organized? Does the essay flow logically and smoothly from one section to the next? Can you point to places where the essay flows, feels choppy, and/or you feel informed or lost?

11.Are there any major spelling, grammar, mechanics issues that the student needs to be made aware of?

12.Can you provide any additional feedback or link any resources you believe will help the writer to continue working towards a final draft?