Peer Review: Reflective Essay draft

Authors name: _______Elouise Miny____________________

Reviewers name: ______Chelsea Brown_____________________
Author: Provide the following information about your essay:
1. Write your thesis statement/main idea below (if it is still a work in progress, say so)
Writing has laws of perspective, of light and shade just as painting does, or music. If you are born
knowing them, fine. If not, learn them. Then rearrange the rules to suit yourself.-Truman Capote
Theme of the paper: I was a stubborn writer that did not want to come out of my comfort zone. This
class changed my perspective and opened my eyes to new dimensions of writing.
2. Write out one or two questions about your draft you would like your reviewer to answer.
A. I feel like my draft needs a lot of work, what area needs the most work and why?
B. Is my theme well developed throughout my reflection?
Reviewer: Read the writers entire draft once. As you reread the draft, respond to the following:
1. Introductory paragraph(s): Write down the sentence or sentences that contain this reflection
papers main idea (according to you). Does the author focus on an overarching theme/metaphor/quote
symbol/etc.? Suggest how the thesis statement/main idea could be strengthened, clarified, or otherwise
improved. Does the author state which evidence will be examined in the rest of the essay? Suggest
how the author could improve this part of the essay.
She delves into the fact that she was close minded when it came to trying a different writing style. This
class opened up her eyes and made her realize different ways to look at the writing process. She was
enlightened and moved by how this class broke down the writing process. The author does focus on the
quote listed a about by Truman. She focuses on this idea of writing as art.

2. Supporting paragraphs: Check to make sure the content of the paper supports the thesis and that
additional evidence or content is not needed to support it. Indicate one paragraph in which the writers
evidence is strong, and state the reasons why you think so. Then find one paragraph that needs more
evidence. Drawing from your own experiences or understanding of the type of assignment the author is
discussing, suggest evidence that might work to better illustrate or develop the main idea or subclaims.
The content of the paper does support the thesis. There are some grammatical errors that need to be
adjusted but, overall it does connect with her quote at the top of the final reflection memo. She has
concise paragraphs that flow with one another and center back to her main point.

3. Organization: Number the paragraphs in the authors paper. Then, use the space below to describe
the purpose or main idea of each paragraph. Check to make sure the paper follows a consistent
organizational pattern and is effectively organized with clear paragraphs (focused around one subclaim) and smooth transitional/topic sentences. When you finish, suggest where the writer might
improve the organization of the paper through the use of transitional sentences, by focusing on one
topic in each paragraph, by restructuring the order of paragraphs, etc.
This was a six paragraph paper. The paper is very organized and concise. The paper revolves a main
point and that is how much the class has helped her grow and develop as a writer. She has strong topic
sentences that support her ideals and paper structure.

4. List the 2 most important things the author should focus on during revision.
Focus on grammatical errors. Reread your paper make sure you didnt leave anything you wanted to
say out.

5. Respond to the authors questions in number 2.

Just keep on learning about the writing process dont stop outside of this class. You are a very polished
writer. Just sit at the typewriter and bleed.

Author: When your essay is returned, read the comments by your peer reviewer and do the following:
1. Compare your description of the thesis statement with your readers. Consider your readers
comments and revise your thesis statement if necessary.
My thesis was well received by Chelsea. Basically, this class helped me change and grow as a writer.
2. What additional evidence from the research youve read, from your experiences, from your
observations, etc. would strengthen the support for your thesis?
I think that the evolution of my writing from draft one to final draft and everything in between in my
modules is the concrete evidence that I need to support my thesis because it shows how I grew as a
writer.

3. Make a revision plan. List, in order of importance, the 3 most important things that you need to do
as you revise your essay.
1. Reread paper.
2. Correct grammatical errors.
3. Look for areas that could use more evidence.