Peer Review Sample for Prospectus

Rather than review entire essays, it can be useful to have students review one another's prospectuses for their essays. (It is important, of course, to offer a clear explanation in advance of what a prospectus is; otherwise you may receive the first page of an essay instead of an overview of the whole. This can forestall the writing of poor first drafts and also adds variety to the review process. The instructor need not read the prospectuses at this stage; they should be attached to the drafts that are handed in at the next stage of the writing process. Groups of three or even four work well.

Reviewer's name:______________________________

Writer's name:_________________________________

Before reading your classmates' prospectuses, read over the following questions. Then, addressing yourself to the writer, fill out a form for each prospectus. Be brief: you should spend no more than 10-12 minutes per prospectus in order to leave time for discussion afterwards.

1. Underline the writer's thesis. To what extent does it clearly state an idea or raise a question that is truly contestable and therefore engaging? (i.e., does it pass the "who cares?" test?) Is it sufficiently specific to provide a clear guiding principle for both writer and reader?

2. What do you think is the best thing about the proposed essay at this stage?

3. What seems weakest about it? What will probably require further thought and effort as the writer expands the prospectus into an essay? Has the author failed to address any important aspect of the topic?

4. What possible counter-argument, seemingly contradictory evidence, or objection should the writer bear in mind while drafting the essay?