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English 1001

Peer Review Guidelines: Revision (Higher Order Concerns)

1) First, begin by writing a short self-evaluative email to the person who will be reviewing your essay. Tell this person what your biggest concern about your essay is at this point, and attach your first draft file for them.

2) Then, download read your peer’s essay through in its entirety before making any marks or comments on it.

3) Next, type your answers to the following questions directly into your classmate’s first draft file, making sure that the “track changes” button under the “review” tab is click ON.

· In your own words, what seems to be the main idea that the writer is trying to get across?

· List, in your own words, the topic or main idea of each separate paragraph. Note on the essay itself any information within a particular paragraph that does not seem related to that paragraph’s main idea.

· Underline any transitions you see between paragraphs, whether they consist of repetition of ideas or signal words and phrases. If you don’t see any transition, write “trans?” at the beginning of the paragraph.

· Highlight any areas of wording that seem awkward to you, or that you simply don’t understand. If at any point the writer loses you, write in the margin “don’t know what you mean here” or something to that effect.

· Look at the essay’s introduction. Does it grab your attention? Does it include a clear thesis statement?

· Look at the essay’s last paragraph. Is it a conclusion? Does it link back to the main idea of the entire essay or does it just seem to end?

4) Write your peer a 1-2 page letter evaluating her paper. Your letter must cover these four points:

--identification of a specific strength of the essay

--identification of a specific weakness in the essay

--response to the writer’s greatest concern

--advice for strengthening the essay

In order for any of you to get helpful, constructive feedback on your essay, you must each give careful, constructive feedback. Don’t be afraid to tell the writer of the essay that the essay needs work. The worst thing you can do is to say, “Gee, this is good. You might fix some grammar stuff.” Be sincere in your criticism and be as specific as possible.

Comment only on higher-order concerns. Do not correct or refer to the essay’s grammar, spelling mistakes or typographical errors. For revision, we’re looking at the essay only in terms of whole document and paragraph issues: fulfillment of audience/purpose requirements, thesis statement, development, and organization.

Your letter should be typed double-spaced using Times New Roman 12-pt. font and one inch margins.

5) You will need to email your letter to the writer of the essay AND upload it to the appropriate D2L dropbox for grading.