Peer Editing Points to Keep in Mind

Peer Editing Remember! As a peer editor, you are reading your partner’s writing for the first time. So, as you are reading, make sure the meaning is coming across to you clearly.

Peer Editing The reason is this – When someone is writing, they already know (in their mind) what they want to get across. Therefore, as they are writing, they often (subconsciously) assume that their reader has the same idea.

Peer Editing However, the opposite is often the case. The reader doesn’t know what the writer knows. A good writer will always bridge the gap between the idea and the reader.

Peer Editing So, if the meaning isn’t coming across well, leave a note on your partner’s paper. Remind them that they need to reach out more to the reader and show him or her the meaning.

Peer Editing Ask these questions of the text— Does the essay address a question, problem, or issue the reader cares about? Does the essay make its meaning clear for the reader?

Peer Editing Focus— Is the thesis clear? Does it have a strong point? Does the writer stay focused on the thesis throughout the essay?

Peer Editing Organization— Does the writer use transition words to advance the argument? Does the essay feel well organized? Is it well focused? Are there any paragraphs that seem too long or too short?

Peer Editing Content— Are there enough details and examples to “show” the meaning? Are there any ideas that need more development? Do all the ideas receive approximately equal attention? Is there any information that is “off-topic” and can be deleted?

Peer Editing Tips— 1) View yourself as a coach, not a judge. Work with the writer to identify the draft’s strengths and areas for improvement.

Peer Editing 2) Where possible, give specific complements. Let the writer know which of his or her strategies are successful!

Peer Editing Keep an eye open for— -- Sentence fragments “Because I was tired. I fell asleep.” -- Comma splices “I was hungry, I ate some lunch.” -- Fused sentences “I was hungry I ate some lunch.”

Peer Editing Remember— One paragraph deals with one idea! (That idea can have several points, but they must come under one “umbrella.”)

Don’t be afraid to write on your partner’s paper!  Peer Editing Don’t be afraid to write on your partner’s paper! 