English 201

Peer Review 1 Tool: Summary

Becoming A Reliable Critic by Evaluating Writing

The ability to critique our own writing, to find mistakes and correct them, is developed over time as we read and evaluate the work of others, then apply what we have learned to our own work. To facilitate this process, I am providing some focused questions to help you learn to critique Paper 1 effectively. Particularly since your first paper is a summary, rather than the personal or analytical essays you might be used to writing, the criteria shifts to what the original author is saying, rather than any personal view of the the student summarizer.

You may also use these questions to critique your own work. For your Peer Review, please follow the numbered format of this sheet in answering the questions. For example, discuss thesis first, then main points, etc. Be sure to answer all applicable questions.

Evaluation Questions:

  1. The Thesis

• Following summary conventions, is the thesis clearly indicated in the first few sentences, along with original author and title?
• Is the thesis accurate to the original?
• Is it expressed in the summarizer’s own words?

  2. Main points

• Has the summarizer selected the appropriate main points?  Is there a point that you need to hear about, or more about?
• Are the main points accurately expressed, in the summarizer’s own words?  If a quote is used, is it an appropriate quote?
• If there are any details brought up, are they limited and significant to the main points?

  3. Organization/Coherence

• Are there appropriate paragraph breaks?  (Remember that a summary should not be a series of detached, short paragraphs.  Main points will be integrated into paragraphs together.)
• Does the summary flow well, both between sentences and between paragraphs?  Where does the summary seem disjointed or choppy?

4. Paraphrasing/Style/Mechanics

• Overall, does the summarizer do a good job of using his/her own words?  What sentences might seem awkward, choppy or inaccurate? 
• What sentences are good examples of paraphrasing?
• Are there places where word choices are confusing?
• Are there places where grammar errors distract from meaning?

5. Tone

• Does the summarizer remain consistently objective throughout the summary? 

6. Opinion paragraph

• Does the summarizer take a clear position on the original essay in this paragraph?
• Is the opinion well developed with specific support?  Where would you like to hear more?