Heidi Hanrahan
English Department
This is a handout to use in rough draft
workshops. Ask your students to answer these questions in class as
a way to get them to respond effectively to each other's drafts.
NAME:_____________________
Peer Review Workshop for a Narrative or Descriptive Essay
Before and/or after you read through your peer’s paper, take a look through the questions listed below and answer all of them. Keep in mind that these are only suggestions of what to look for as you read each other’s papers. There may be many other things that you need to talk about. Also, remember that a workshop will not work without useful and specific comments, advice, and insights. Trust me, your classmates are looking for advice don’t be afraid to give it to them. Don’t waste everyone’s time by sitting there in silence when the reader is done or by simply saying, "I liked it." There is always something more to be said! As you read, if you have a question, write it down or ask the author. If you don’t understand a passage, mark it. If you want to comment on something, make a note and go back to it. Be close and attentive readers! You are all smart people with good ideas don’t be afraid to share them. Use this sheet to make comments and then hand it back to the author.
1. Main Idea: Is there one main idea (story/thesis) operating throughout the paper? It is okay for there to be other little stories woven in, but can you tell what the main focus is? Write down what you think is the main idea.
2. Organization: How is the paper organized? Can you make any sense of the order? Does it move well from paragraph to paragraph? Can transitions be smoother?
3. Details/Description: Is the author showing or just telling? Is he or she creating pictures in your mind? Is there dialogue where appropriate? Is the language exciting and vivid?
4. Expand/Develop Ideas: What are some areas that you wish the author would tell you some more about? Where might he or she expand some ideas? What are some questions left unanswered? Is there sufficient evidence for claims made? Are sources documented where needed?
5. Grammar/Spelling/Sentence Structure: Is the punctuation correct? Are words used correctly? Are homophone misused (there, their, they’re; too, two, to; etc.)? Are there run on sentences or fragments? Are there sentences that just don’t sound right or just don’t make sense to you?
NOTES TO THE AUTHOR: Write some notes to the author. Provide comments, suggestions, or questions to extend your commentary.