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. You should read the paper through once completely, then concentrate on these important areas:
- Effectiveness of the thesis or statement of purpose in establishing the paper's central focus.
- Consider the overall focus of the essay—look for places where the paper might be straying from the stated central topic (or thesis).
- Effectiveness of the introduction—point out weaknesses and make specific suggestions for improving development and/or transitions.
Effectiveness of body paragraphs—point out weaknesses and make very specific suggestions regarding strong topic sentences, unity (one main point per paragraph), and development. If paragraphs have more than one point, where should they be divided? If paragraphs are underdeveloped, give specific suggestions for how the points might be elaborated or developed more effectively.
Any points not convincingly explained? What makes them unconvincing? Offer suggestions for improvement.
Any places where you don't understand exactly what the author is trying to say?
Effectiveness of quotations: are there good quotes from two secondary sources and from the story or stories? Are the quotes used well? Do they offer significant support for the author's claims, or do any seem simply "thrown in" to meet the assignment requirements?
Do any of the quotes need more comment or explanation? Which ones, and why?
Smoothness in introduction and incorporation of quotes.
Proper documentation of quotes.
Suggestions for other helpful quotes from the story or stories or from the criticism.
Effectiveness of conclusion—make very specific suggestions.
Grammar and word choice—special attention to Golden Rules and Nuggets.
You might conclude by giving the paper a grade—explain precisely why you would give it the grade you think it deserves.Quotes and documentation details and "simple stuff"