Peer Reviewing

Peer review is the exchange of feedback on a piece of writing from your fellow students, colleagues, or friends. Getting comments from a peer is a good way to begin revising your essay.

Other people can look at your work and see things that you might not — parts that are good as well as parts that need more explanation or evidence. The best reviewers are honest about what could be better but also sensitive to the writer’s feelings. In addition, they are specific. Reviewers who say a paper is “great” without offering further comment do not help writers improve their work.

BASICS OF USEFUL FEEDBACK

To get useful feedback, find a partner and exchange papers. Each partner should read the other’s paper and jot down a few comments. The first time someone comments on what you have written, you may feel a little embarrassed, but you will feel better about the process once you see how your writing benefits from the comments.

Peer reviewers should consider the following as they read.

Questions for Peer Reviewers

  1. What is the main point?
  2. After reading the introductory paragraph, do you have an idea of what the essay will cover, and why?
  3. How could the introduction be more interesting?
  4. Is there enough support for the main point? Where might the writer add support?
  5. Are there confusing places where you have to reread something to understand it? How might the writer make the points, the organization, or the flow of ideas clearer or smoother?
  6. Does the writer have assumptions or biases that weaken the writing? What are they?
  7. How could the conclusion be more forceful?
  8. What do you most like about the essay? Where could it be better? What would you do if it were your essay?
  9. What other comments or suggestions do you have?
  10. How do you think the audience for the writing will respond to the thesis, and its support?