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PAPER #1: PEER REVIEW

Background:

When we write, we often make mistakes or omissions that we cannot find when we read over a draft because our brain understands what we meant to say and makes the correction in our heads, not on the page. As a result, editing purely on our own often leaves papers full of mistakes or obvious holes--holes that weaken the overall persuasiveness of our argument. One way to help catch such mistakes is to have someone else read over a text and point out what works and what needs further revision, a tactic most academics and professional writers use by having colleagues or editors review drafts before publication. You can do the same with your classmates, which is why peer review will be a significant activity in this course.

Peer review accomplishes two goals: it helps the writer to see strengths and potential problems in their drafts, and it helps the reader to learn how to spot problem areas in a text, which can help improve self-editing and revision. Take this activity seriously and do the best you can, even if you are not very confident in your own writing ability: it's better to make an observation or ask a question and have the author ignore you than to remain silent. You'll be doing your partner a favor because it is far better for you to say something now than to have me downgrade the paper later.

Instructions:

After you submit your own draft by the assigned time, you are expected to read and offer a peer review to two other students. I will put you in groups of three or four: make sure you have a plan to make sure two different people read your paper and nobody is overwhelmed.

1. Read the paper.

Write "Read by [your name]" at the top of the page. Then read the paper and actively mark as you read.. As you mark the text, the following skills are essential:

Issues to consider as you read the draft:

2. Write a note about the paper that offers constructive feedback.

Answer the following questions about your partner's essay. Do this response on your own paper and give the response (with your name on it) to your partner when it is completed. Please answer in complete sentences and give a substantial response, not the shortest response you can think of. Start with a positive comment about the paper and then write out paragraphs that deal with the main issues listed below:

Argument:

Organization (AKA "Flow"):

Evidence:

Mechanics and Assignment Expectations

Final Thoughts: