Often students are asked to review their peers essays and term papers. Why? This is a learning process for both the writer and readers in many ways. First, it gives the writer a real audience and a chance to hear what others think about their essay. Readers can say what they like and dislike about the essay. It gives the student a chance to make corrections before the instructor sees the essay. The reader can point out different mistakes and make suggestions about the essay or research paper. It is important for the student to remember that not all suggestions have to be accepted. Good peer review takes time and effort. It is important to begin the essay early so the reviewer has time to review it properly. The purpose of peer reviews is to improve editing skills and have someone point out the strengths and weaknesses of an essay.
Students who review the works of others are benefited by learning how to read essays with a critical mind. Students who critique others learn to critique their own work. This is beneficial as they learn to read and search for mistakes they see in essays by other students.
Often instructors distribute suggestions and questions to search for while reviewing essays of students. Here are some suggested questions for peer reviewing:
- What is the main idea?
- What is the thesis? Is the thesis in the first paragraph? Is the thesis clear?
- Is a hook used in the first paragraph? What type of hook?
- Does the essay support the thesis? What types of evidence is used? Does the evidence have relevance? Does the evidence have credibility?
- Is the essay organized? Why? Why not?
- Look at each paragraph and see if the main idea supports the thesis.
- Is the essay too wordy?
- Is there supporting evidence for each of the main topic sentences?
- Are transitions used between paragraphs?
- What are the main strengths of the essay?
- What are the weaknesses?
- Are any of the words spelled incorrectly?
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