Peer Review of Essays Descriptive Outlines: Describing what each paragraph SAYS and what each sentence DOES

What is the writer’s argument or thesis? On a piece of paper or a Word Document, write THESIS: Then copy the writer’s thesis statement; it should be the last sentence in the first paragraph. Is the writer’s thesis an argument? Could you argue for or against it? If it is an argument, good. If it isn’t let the writer know in writing (eg. “this is just a statement of fact or information”, “what is your position on this topic?”, “how can you defend this statement in an argument?”) & discuss this with the writer in your face to face conference.

Body Paragraphs: Says Statements Read the body paragraph carefully Does it stick to one reasoned topic? Does the reason support the thesis or help the argument? On your paper, write BODY PARAGRAPH 1 SAYS: Summarize & Write the reason and how it supports the argument in 1 or 2 sentences

Body Paragraphs: Does Statements The “Does Statements” describe what each sentence is doing Make a list on your paper after the Says Statement for the First Body Paragraph: DOES STATEMENTS, Sentence 1, (next line) S2, (next line) S3, etc. for each sentence in the paragraph Make the Does Statements short and concise If you can’t figure out what a sentence is doing, maybe it shouldn’t be there- ASK THE WRITER in your Face to Face conference

What Can a Sentence “Do”? A SENTENCE CAN. . . can introduce a reason or topic explain a reason include a quotation supporting your reasoning explain how the quotation supports your topic or argument sum up your topic provide transition to the next topic IF THERE ARE SENTENCES THAT YOU CANNOT DESCRIBE WHAT THEY DO, ASK THE WRITER: “WHAT IS THIS SENTENCE DOING?” IF IT ISN’T SUPPORTING YOUR THESIS OR FURTHERING YOUR ARGUMENT, IT SHOULDN’T BE THERE!