Peer Review

Writer: Tell your responder what you need from them. (For example, “I am most concerned that my thesis isn’t strong.”

Responder:
1. Read introductory paragraph, circle Homer and The Odyssey, and bracket the thesis statement.
2. Circle the words in the thesis that indicate compare and contrast.
3. Before continuing your reading, check the topic sentences of each body paragraph – does each correspond to an idea mentioned in the thesis? Circle the words that clearly show the connection between the thesis statement and paragraph topic sentences.
4. Read the body paragraphs and identify the Points (P from PIE) and put a P by each point.
5. Identify the Illustrations and quotations and mark with an I.
6. Evaluate each Explanation – does the writer clearly explain how each illustration proves the topic sentence of the paragraph? Does the writer say some extension of the Point? Write + or - in the margin next to each E marked. A + is for E's that fit both criteria just mentioned.
7. Read the conclusion. Circle the section wherein the author explains the “So what?” of her/his argument. Does the author show how this topic connects to life?
8. Check that the paper is in proper MLA format with correct internal documentation and a works cited entry.
9. Review the paper for active voice and proper punctuation.
10. Go back to the essay to help the writer with her/his particular question or concern. Talk together about it, and come up with a plan for the writer.