You should know the drill with peer response by now: the key is that you be tactfully as critical as you can so that you will help your classmate improve his or her paper.Peer response 3 Your comments and suggestions are not limited to the items below, and of course, while you may make comments on the draft, the bulk of your response should be on separate paper. You should read the paper through once completely, then concentrate on these important areas:
- Effectiveness of the the intro question in addressing the assigned topic and setting up the proper argument.
- Consider the overall focus of the essaylook for places where the paper might be straying from the stated central topic (or thesis).
- Effectiveness of the introductionpoint out weaknesses and make specific suggestions for improving development and/or transitions. If the introduction is less than half a page in length, suggest specific ways of developing the paragraph more effectively.
- Effectiveness of topic sentences in answering the intro question squarely and directly. Make specific suggestions for improvement in topic sentences.
- Effectiveness of opposing views. Does the author explain the opposing viewpoints thoroughly? How could the opposing views be strengthened? Suggestions for other, more effective opposing views?
- Effectiveness of body paragraphspoint out weaknesses and make very specific suggestions regarding paragraph unity (one main point per paragraph through reiteration of key words). If paragraphs have more than one point, indicate where they should be divided?
- Point out paragraphs that seem too brief or undeveloped. Make specific suggestions for improving underdeveloped paragraphs: don't just say "explain more;" offer concrete, helpful suggestions.
- Any points not convincingly explained? What makes them unconvincing? Offer specific suggestions for improvement.
- Any places where you don't understand exactly what the author is trying to say?
- Effectiveness of quotations. Do they offer significant support for the author's claims, or do any seem simply "thrown in" to meet the assignment requirements? Suggest specific articles or passages that the author might quote to illustrate the paper's primary assertions more effectively.
- Do any of the quotes need more comment or explanation? Which ones, and why?
- Smoothness in introduction and incorporation of quotes (nugget 3)
- Effectiveness of conclusionmake very specific suggestions for improving or sharpening the thesis statement. If the conclusion is less than roughly half a page in length, suggest specific ways of expanding the paragraph.
- Grammar and word choicespecial attention to Golden Rules and Nuggets.
- Quotes and documentation details, including the works cited page, and "simple stuff."
- Conclude by giving the paper a gradeexplain precisely why you would give it the grade you think it deserves.