Peer Review Sample 1 (generic)

For this exercise, students are required to come to class with two copies of their essays; students are paired and both papers can be discussed easily in a 50 minute class with a little time left over for other business. The virtue of this model is the reading aloud, which helps the writers catch their own mistakes. The model works just as well, though differently, with the reviewer reading the paper aloud to the writer.

This morning you'll read aloud your paper to a partner and discuss it. You have 30 minutes to review both papers, so split the time available from this moment and keep track of time. Follow these steps:

1. Exchange drafts with your partner.

2. The taller person reads his or her own paper aloud first. The listener marks things to discuss.

3. The listener asks any specific questions he or she might have; the writer responds.

4. The listener points out where the essay seems most clear and persuasive and why; then where least clear and persuasive, and suggests ways to improve. Finally, the listener should point out any obvious errors of expression. Before moving on to the next step, the writer should takes notes about his or her own paper: you always forget more than you think you will.

5. Repeat process for the other writer.