Checklist for Peer-Reviewing Essays

Learning Outcomes Assessed: IEP 4/510.70, 4/510.80, 4/510.90

Writer's name:     ___________________       Reviewer's name: ______________________

Directions: Review the essay and put a checkmark next to the items that you find.  Put NO if the item is not complete. Write 2 comments at the bottom of the essay: 1) What was done well; 2) What the writer could improve.

FORMAT/TASK COMPLETION:

  1. _____    The essay has a completed outline attached.
  2. _____    The paper has the writer's name, the course name/number, the professor's name, the assignment, and the date at the top of the page.
  3. _____    The writer kept the margins on both sides and aligned the essays properly, using left-align.
  4. _____    The essay is double-spaced.
  5. _____    The essay has correct paragraphing with either indentations or 2x-space between paragraphs.
  6. _____    The essay uses correct spacing between words and after punctuation marks.

ORGANIZATION:

  1. _____    The essay has a title in the middle of the page that includes the key words of the essay.
  2. _____    The introduction begins with an attention getter and gives necessary background information, then ends with a thesis statement.
  3. _____    The thesis statement includes the topic, controlling idea, and 3 or more aspects.
  4. _____    Each body paragraph begins with a topic sentence that includes the topic, controlling idea, and one aspect.
  5. _____    Each body paragraph connects to the topic sentence with at least 2 supporting points (reasons/explanations) and 2 specific details for the supporting points.
  6. _____    The essay has a conclusion that restates the thesis statement, summarizes the supporting points, and includes all key words.

TOPIC DEVELOPMENT:

  1. _____  The essay shows a clear pattern of organization (cause/effect, contrast, problem-solution, persuasive argument, etc.) throughout.
  2. _____  The essay develops all aspects of the thesis statement.
  3. _____  The essay shows logical progression of ideas.
  4.   _____ The essay develops the content with relevant explanations and examples.
  5.  _____ The essay shows knowledge of subject matter through effective use of topic-related concepts to support the writer’s argument.
  6. _____ The essay is clearly written and shows a high level of fluency of expression.

DISCOURSE/COHERENCE/SENTENCE STRUCTURE:

  1. _____   The essay uses a variety of discourse markers (cause/effect, concession/contrast, example, addition, etc.) appropriately throughout the essay.
  2. _____   The writer repeats key words or uses synonyms or pronouns throughout the essay.
  3. _____   The writer uses clear and easy-to-follow sentence structure.

VOCABULARY:

  1. _____   The writer uses appropriate topic-related vocabulary.
  2. _____   The writer uses formal English throughout.

© 2013  Christine Bauer-Ramazani, Saint Michael's College. Last updated: June 8, 2017