Peer response 4
You should definitely know the peer
response drill by now: the key is that you be tactfully critical
so that you will help your classmate improve his or her paper. Your
comments and suggestions are not limited to the items below, but do concentrate
first on these primary areas:
- Effectiveness of the introduction—point
out weaknesses and make specific suggestions for improving the paragraph
in any respects needed. If the introduction is less than half a page in length,
suggest concrete ways of developing the paragraph more effectively.
Avoid saying just that the paragraph needs more—make suggestions precise.
- Make specific and precise suggestions
for improvement of the thesis statement. First consider whether the introduction
ends with a clear indication of the paper's overall point or central focus.
Does the thesis statement set up a viable topic, one worthy of developing
in a college-level paper? Other weaknesses in the thesis? Explain.
- Consider the overall focus of
the essay—look for places where the paper might be straying from the
stated central topic (or thesis). Pay especial attention to each body paragraph's
opening sentence: does each paragraph open with a strong topic sentence reiterating
the key words from the thesis or statement of purpose? Suggest specific improvements
in topic sentences.
- Make specific suggestions for
improvement in structure or organization. Is the organization of body paragraphs
effective? Would the author do better to rearrange the paragraph order in
places? Explain.
- Point out paragraphs that seem
too brief or undeveloped—or too long and "busy." Make
specific suggestions for improving underdeveloped paragraphs: don't
just say "explain more"; offer concrete, helpful suggestions. If
paragraphs are too long, suggest where the points might be divided into separate,
more effective units.
- Any points not convincingly explained?
What makes them unconvincing? Offer specific suggestions for improvement.
- Even for points that are effective,
suggest other specific situations or events in the novel the author might
bring in that would make the paper all the more convincing.
- Effectiveness of the conclusion—make
very specific suggestions for improvement. If the conclusion is less than
roughly half a page in length, suggest specific, concrete ways of expanding
the paragraph.
- 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 passages
that the author might quote to illustrate the paper's primary assertions more
effectively.
- Point out quotations that need
more comment or explanation.
- Grammar, mechanics, and and word
choice—special attention to GR, Nugget, QD, SS, and WP items.