****For the Reader/Critiquer****
1.
Exchange drafts
only with someone else who has a draft. Never
critique while someone else has nothing to
critique. If you have no draft to get critiqued, talk to me and work on your paper. Your next stop should be the
2.
Read the essay
twice, pen down, before responding to critique
questions.
3.
Plan to take
approximately thirty minutes for each critique.
You should accomplish two, good thorough critiques in one class period.
4.
Answer each part
of each question on the critique. Ask me
if you need help and remember that lengthy feedback is better for your fellow
students. It is better to write too much
here than too little. (See critique sheet for questions.)
5.
Be honest and
specific in your responses. Vague or
"gentle" responses don't really help
anyone. Don't
try to hurt their feelings but be direct.
BAD "I really don't like your first
paragraph. It doesn’t get my
attention."
BETTER "Your first paragraph didn't get my attention or
pull me into your essay. Is there a way
you could do that? Could you use a quote
from the story or something?"
6.
AVOID asking the
writer questions, even though s/he is sitting right next to you. S/he can leave with your written feedback but
won't remember your verbal comments as well.
7.
AVOID taking over
the essay by saying, "If I were writing this paper…."
8.
Write as quickly
but as legibly as possible. The more you
say the more you can help the other person, which is ultimately
what helps your own grade. (These
critiques count as part of your class participation grade.)
9.
RE-READ what you
have written before you return your critique to your fellow student. Make sure it is honest, direct and specific
without hurting their feelings. (Would YOU want to get this back as a critique
from another student???)
10. Return the critique to the student-author and start a
second, even if the time seems limited.
****For the Writer****
1.
Be sure to read
these critiques and follow the suggestions from them as best as you can as you
revise your draft for turning it in the next class.
2.
If you have
trouble understanding the feedback from your peers or seem confused by what
they are suggesting, see me or someone in the
3.
Include these
critiques in your process when you turn in your paper; they help that critiquer's grade so be sure not to lose them.
4.
These peers are
your audience so really pay attention to what they
say. They may not be experts at writing,
but they know what should be in an essay and if it is making sense to them as a
reader.
General Questions to answer during any
peer-critique
1.
Does the
Introduction grab your attention? If
yes, explain how and why. If not,
explain how and why not.
2.
Is there a clear thesis which takes a stance and indicates where the essay is
headed? If yes, explain how and
why. If not, explain how and why not.
3.
Does each body
paragraph have a topic sentence that ties back to the thesis? Does the paragraph stick to that topic
sentence? If yes, explain how and why. If not, explain how and why not.
4.
Does each body
paragraph have enough information? Is
each one fully developed? If yes,
explain how and why. If not, explain how
and why not.
5.
Does the
conclusion reiterate the thesis? (not
restate it verbatim) If yes, explain how
and why. If not, explain how and why
not.
6.
Does the
conclusion wrap up the essay and end with the student’s own words and
thoughts? If yes, explain how and
why. If not, explain how and why not.