Literature Classes (World Lit
II, American Lit II, British Lit II): Peer Workshop Instructions
Follow the instructions below, making sure both to point
out what is working well and why, as well as to make diplomatic suggestions for
improvement. Your purpose is to help the writer know how to make the next draft
better.
Step 1—read the essay carefully, writing in the
margins as you go. Ask questions, offer reader reactions and interpretations,
make comments. Help the writers see where more explanation and/or detail is
needed, more research, etc. Help the writer see where and how to take the
thinking beyond the surface level.
Step 2—Write a letter to the writer on the end of
the draft, addressing him or her by name. Discuss all of the following:
- Title of the essay. Suggestions for improvement?
- What is the essay’s general topic? (example, Moliere’s
Tartuffe). What is the focused argument or thesis? (example, how gender
roles function in the play). Is there a clear focus? How well does the essay
develop that argument/thesis?
- Discuss content, the level of detail and specificity.
What might be added? What needs to be deleted or condensed?
- Discuss organization. How might it be tightened,
improved from the reader’s point of view?
- Discuss the intro, conclusion. How might they be
improved?
- Discuss language—word choice, sentence rhythms, tone
of voice, etc.
- Discuss research—thoroughness, helpfulness. Does the
writer spend enough time with each source or just toss them in too quickly?
- Discuss the critical thinking? Can you see where the
writer includes his or her own thinking in the essay, or does the essay rely
too much only on the sources?
- Any other suggestions or observations to help the
writer improve the next draft?
Step 3—sign your responses.