Peer Review for Essay 4

Comparative Rhetorical Analysis

ENG 102, Section _________________ Date: _______________

Writer’s Name:________________________________________________

Reviewer’s Name: ______________________________________________

Language Use

At this point in the semester, the paper should be written in Standard English with a vocabulary level appropriate for a college level paper. Check for Do Not Use List items, “questionable” commas, and note instances of wordiness.

As a reader, do you always follow what the writer is saying? (Remember, you should never have to infer what the writer is trying to say – all points and ideas should be carefully explained to the reader – if you are unsure of what the writer is saying, please note where understanding is lost so the writer can revise his/her essay.)

Introduction

Are all conventions of an introduction apparent and identifiable? (Is there a “grabber” used, history or background information included, and does the thesis clearly consist of an assertion, argument, or “side” that indicates what will be covered in the paper? Is the thesis clearly stated and is it the last sentence of the introduction?

Understanding the Writer’s Intentions

State the writer’s thesis in your own words. What is his or her specific argument about the rhetoric surrounding the censorship issue covered? In other words, what is his or her main claim, and what is the evidence he or she is using to support that claim? If you have difficulty paraphrasing the thesis, then say so and explain why. Also, attempt to explain what might clarify the thesis.

Rhetorical Analysis and its Effectiveness

Point out those places in the draft where you think the writer is providing convincing evidence for his or her thesis. These should be passages of text that the writer is rhetorically analyzing—pulling apart and commenting in order to show analysis of both works.

Is there a balance between the two works, meaning fairly equal “time” given to the analysis of both?

Point out those places in the draft where you think the writer needs to provide more evidence through analysis. Suggest possible ways to develop the analysis by letting the writer know what else the reader would like to know.

List those places in the draft that you think might not belong, which might be “off-focus” or “off-thesis.” Explain why you think they might not belong and how they might be revised to belong if possible. (Or, perhaps they should simply be cut.)

Organization

In very general terms, do you think this paper should be re-organized? (That is, are there any sections that need to be moved elsewhere, and if so, explain how and why.)

Conclusion

Does the conclusion provide a clear culmination of the ideas presented in the essay and provide context as to the importance of the analysis between the two works? Is the conclusion about the same length as the introduction, creating balance to the piece? Does the reader feel informed and enlightened on a subject of significance?

Assignment Requirements

What do you think is working well in this draft? In what ways is the draft meeting the assignment?

Is there any way in which this draft is NOT meeting the assignment? How could that be resolved? Other comments?

Correct Grammar Use Section

Check for any grammar concerns you can recognize: (1) Spelling and Contractions, (2) Comma use (3) Pronoun and antecedent agreement 4) Sentence fragments and incomplete sentences (all sentences must have a subject and a verb). You do not need to correct the error, nor do you have to name it – you may simply indicate there may be a grammar concern.

MLA

Does the paper adhere to MLA style conventions? Does the writer make appropriate use of in-text citations with complete citations on a formal works cited page?

Check in-text citations to see if they match with the Works Cited entries – incorrect formatting of in-text or works cited page entries is plagiarism.

Conferencing

Once the written peer review is complete, writer and reviewer must go over all comments carefully to ensure understanding. Please summarize this discussion and include your evaluation of how the writer received your compliments and/or criticism.

(Instructor’s Note): I have observed several instances where minor errors or recommendations made by the peer reviewers are being ignored by the writers. Pay special attention to the advice of the reviewer and if you are uncertain whether to take advice from him/her, PLEASE ask me, the Writing Center, or another source to confirm.