Title of Paper:

Writer:

Reviewer :

1. Read for a first impression. What are the major strengths of the paper? What do you like most about it?

2. Consider how vividly the event/person/place is described and narrated. Point to specific examples.

3. Assess whether the purpose or significance is clear. State what you think it is. What, if anything, does the writer need to do to define the purpose more clearly? Does it have an apparent subject but also a deeper one(s)? A resonating concern?

4. What suggestions can you make about focus and/or the effectiveness of the organization? Are the topics the paper brings up adequately handled? Any places where more explicit cueing—transitions, summaries, topic sentences—would clarify the relationships between parts?

5. What would you like to know that the writer does not tell you? What things need to be developed further; where should there be more examples or details?

6. List two suggestions you can make that you think could improve the next draft.

Advice to reviewers: If you think something in the essay is not working well, say so, but be sure to support your criticisms with clear reasons, specific examples and, if possible, suggestions for improvement. Be honest. Be constructive. Give the feedback that you yourself would find most helpful.