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Peer editing is critically
reading and offering suggestions to improve another’s rough draft. The goal is always to help the writer
improve the draft so that the next revision is effective. In this case, being “critical” does not
mean being negative. Instead it
means to constructively identify any areas that need improvement as well as
note areas that are strong. Peer editing properly can not only help the
writer improve his or her rough draft, but also teach the peer editor to
become a better writer.
Here is a checklist for peers to
use when editing another’s essay:
____1. First, check to see if
the rough draft meets the requirements of the assignment. Have the specific directions been followed?
____2. Would the introductory
paragraph lead a typical reader to want to read more? Does the introduction create
interest/importance in what’s to follow?
____3. Is there a clearly
identifiable thesis sentence that states the idea/opinion the essay will
develop and support?
____4. Do the body paragraphs
have balance? Is each of the body paragraphs unified and coherent? (Are there any off-topic or misplaced details?)
____5. Does the conclusion
effectively close the essay? If
appropriate to the essay, does the conclusion offer specific
recommendations/suggestions?
____6. Do the sentences flow
smoothly or do any need rewording? Do the paragraphs have clear transitions
so that they flow smoothly from one to another?
____7. Does the rough draft use
any clichés (overused expressions)?
Is the word choice throughout the draft effective and engaging?
____8. Are there any obvious
grammar and usage mistakes? (Commonly-Confused Words errors? Pronoun
Agreement errors? Subject-Verb Agreement errors?)
____9. Does the draft include
any words and ideas borrowed from other authors? If so, are those words and ideas handled
properly? (Does the rough draft conform exactly to MLA/APA
guidelines?) Does the draft use
“signal phrases” to comfortably blend in the borrowed words and ideas?
____10.What are
the rough draft’s strengths?
____11.Regarding the whole
experience, did you critique the other writer’s rough draft in the same way
you would want your rough draft critiqued?
Did you share your suggestions in the same way you would like to
receive suggestions? (The key is to think about how you want to be treated
and do the same for your peer.)
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