Directions: Read your partner’s paper from beginning to end. Then go back through the paper and make a note in the paper for each item listed. Avoid negative criticism. Show respect for your partner’s ideas.

Introduction:

  • Read the introductory paragraph. The first sentence or two are supposed to grab the reader’s attention. If this happens, then mark the sentence that grabs your attention. If not, then write a note to the writer telling them to fix it and make a suggestion about how that could be done.
  • Does the paragraph give a thorough overview of the issues to be discussed in paper?
  • Does the paragraph contain a clear thesis statement? Underline thesis statement.
  • On the back of the first page, rewrite the thesis statement in your own words in as concise language as possible.
  • What’s the hook? Is the hook effective? If there’s no hook, help the writer by coming up with one.

Body:

  • Does each body paragraph have a clear topic sentence (aka "baby thesis")?
  • The paragraphs give detailed information to support the thesis statement and baby thesis.
  • The paragraphs include relevant quotes to support ideas.
  • Transitions?
  • Does the author explain the connection between each piece of evidence and the main thesis? If so, say where. If not, say where more clear connections are needed.
  • All sources are appropriately documented and cited. Parenthetical documentation,

works cited page, and quoted material in correct MLA format.

  • Positive reinforcement is an important aspect of the peer review so the author can know what works as well as what doesn’t work. Identify what you think is the best section in your partner’s paper. Briefly discuss why you think this is your partner’s strongest section.
  • Identify the sentence that you believe needs the most improvement. Improvements could include changes in language choices, grammar, or content.

Argument:

  • Do you believe the argument? Why or why not?
  • What is the most compelling counterargument you can think of? Does the paper address the counter argument?
  • Is the evidence offered necessary and sufficient?
  • Are there any places where the author contradicts his or her main argument?
  • Do the topic sentences (aka “baby theses”) support the main thesis?
  • Are the summaries necessary and sufficient? Is there too much summary? Not enough?
  • Is it clear where the author’s ideas begin and end in relation to the secondary sources?

Formatting, etc.:

  • Times New Roman, 12 point font, and 1 inch margins.
  • Proper in-text parenthetical citations (Gunther 1). Or sometimes Mr. Gunther says, "they look like this" (Gunther 1).
  • Make sure all your subjects and verbs are correct. Your paper must be in literary present tense.
  • Mark all instances of past tense verbs.
  • Mark all personal pronouns. Are they absolutely necessary?
  • Mark every “this” and “that.” Is each absolutely necessary?
  • Mark every “to be” verb. Is each absolutely necessary?
  • If either the subject or the predicate is missing, you have a sentence fragment. Revise.
  • If multiple subjects and predicates are found, check for correct punctuation and run-on sentence errors. Revise as necessary.
  • Check all the punctuation with quotation marks. If they are wrong, fix them.
  • Wrong: Because Anton “drifts”, he thinks of himself as a placid boat in the sea of life.
  • Right: Because Anton “drifts,” he thinks of himself as a placid boat in the sea of life.