Peer Review for Narration

The purpose of this workshop is to improve your writing on both the global, and local levels. This means you are not only correcting grammar and mechanics, but content as well. Read your partner’s paper twice. On the first reading, DO NOT make any corrections. Just read the paper and take in the story in the same way you would as if you were reading a published piece. On the second reading, answer the following questions:

  1. What is the point of this paper? Please highlight the main claims. Does the author provide evidence for each claim?
  2. Does the introduction grab your attention? Do you have a clear sense of who this person is after reading the introduction? How can the author improve their introduction?
  3. Are the supporting points clear, relevant, and well organized? Can you easily follow the story? Would it benefit the reader to re-organize this essay?
  4. Underline good, relevant examples in the paper. Are there any instances where the author could provide more information? Less?
  5. Now examine the word choice. Does the author use vivid language? Do they repeat the same adjectives? Does the language create a sense of immediacy and urgency? Can you make suggestions in terms of word choice?
  6. Identify the transitions between paragraphs. Does the author signal what is coming and how it relates to the previous example?
  7. What was your favorite part of the essay? Why? What did you like about this essay?
  8. What suggestions for improvement can you offer to the writer? Identify the weaknesses and help consider corrections.
  9. Does the conclusion explain how they will apply what they have learned in the future? Does the conclusion give you a sense of what this person wants to accomplish?
  10. Finally, alert the reader to any spelling, grammar and mechanical errors they made.

Please discuss your comments with your partners and help them to improve their paper. Ask me if you have any questions.