Procedures for Peer Reviewing

To be a good peer reviewer, you should ask yourself the right questions about the paper you are reviewing.

Sample questions to ask:

1. Is there a clear thesis statement? What is it?

2. Does each paragraph work to support the main argument of the essay?
      a. Does the paragraph offer either facts or analysis?
      b. Are there any paragraphs that feel like "filler?"
      c. Does each paragraph have a clear topic sentence? Do the paragraphs have unity and coherence.
      d. Do any paragraphs feel like "filler?"
      e. Are the paragraphs in the best order?

3. Which paragraphs do you like the most? Which do you like the least?

4. Is the introduction effective? Why or why not?

5. Is the conclusion effective? If not, how could it be improved?

6. Are transitions effective?

Please be tactful in your criticisms. Avoid saying things like "You have written a bad paragraph." Instead say "The meaning of this paragraph isn't clear to me. Maybe the paragraph could be clearer if the topic sentence was more specific.

Note that in using the recommended sentences, you have criticized the paper and not the writer. T