PEER REVIEW Complete your review of your partner’s essay by commenting directly on the Google Doc they’ve shared with you. Use both marginal comments (in Google Docs, these would be any comments you make using the “comments” feature located in the “insert” menu or using the “comments” button in the upper right of the screen as well as any deletions/additions you make to the paper) and end-note feedback (i.e. a summarizing note where you name for the author the key revisions you suggest they make in the final version of their essay).

Introduction 1. Summarize the writer’s hook (attention getter). Did you find that the hook effectively grabbed your attention or does more need to be done? What suggestions might you give the writer? 2. How does the writer introduce the general subject of their essay? Although everyone is writing on the general topic of Ragged Dick, the introduction should still name the author and novel and provide a brief summary of the general plot. This introduction of the subject is what creates the flow between the hook and the thesis. 3. Summarize the writer’s thesis statement. Does the thesis make clear the writer’s answer to the prompt question (what are the underlying values presented in Ragged Dick and how do they come together to present a definition of the American Dream in the late 1800s?) or does it simply restate the question with no definitive answer? Does it present an argument, viewpoint or insight that is debatable? For example, an inadequate thesis might simply state “Several passages from the text point the reader toward an idea of the values that made up the American Dream of the 1800s.” A good thesis will be specific and precise, naming the values that the rest of the essay will evidence via an explication of select passages from the novel. Body 1. Outline the topic sentences for each body paragraph (there should be a minimum of three body paragraphs though there can be more). Do these topic sentences highlight the mini- claims (i.e. the American Dream values) that the essay is making? Do the sentences that follow each topic sentence actually speak to what the topic sentence says they do? 2. Make a list of the passages that the writer has chosen as evidence of their thesis. Do you find the evidence to be directly supporting the topic sentence of the paragraph and/or the thesis of the essay? How is each passage or other textual evidence introduced (the writer shouldn’t simply drop quotes without explaining their context in the story)? Generally, for every sentence of textual evidence you should have at least one sentence of analysis showing how/why the quote supports a point. Conclusion 1. Locate the part of the conclusion in which the writer restates the thesis and compare it to the thesis in the introduction. Is the thesis restated in different words than those used in the introduction? If not, provide a suggestion (or suggestions) for the writer as to how to achieve this. 2. Does the writer summarize the main points they made in the body paragraphs? Are these the same main points you believed them to be making (see your list of topic sentences above)? 3. Write the final sentence (or set of sentences) of the conclusion on your paper. Do you feel that the writer left you with a good impression or does the essay “end with a whimper” instead of a “bang”? If you felt their ending was ineffective, what suggestions might you give to help improve it? Clarity and Readability 1. List a few sentences which you found especially memorable and effectual in their essay. 2. List a few sentences you found confusing in their content or construction. 3. Look back at the thesis, topic sentences, and analyzed passages/textual evidence you wrote down in answer to the earlier questions. Do you find the essay was organized in a logical manner that made for a strong argument (order of paragraphs)? What are some of the transitioning words or phrases used to guide the reader through the argument (write them down)? How about the internal organization of the body paragraphs; does each contain the crucial elements, remain focused, present valid evidence and analyze this evidence, connecting it back to the topic sentence? If not, highlight problem areas for the writer to show where you had some difficulty understanding their point, where something was missing or could be strengthened.