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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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!