Peer Editors
1.
Find and count each quote. Put a Q followed by the quote number in the margin. (Q#)
2.
Check to make sure each quote is imbedded. There should be NO floating quotes. Write floating quote in the margin where they occur.
3.
Review the lead-ins to the quotes. Draw a box around any instances where the word “says” appears. Suggest a new, replacement word that explains more of the character’s emotion. For example: exclaims, cries, declares, denounces, etc…
4.
Did the author choose strong examples? Can you think of a better example? Suggest it.
5.
Skim the paper for the word “is.” Circle any instances of the word is and, where you can come up with a good solution, suggest an alternative way of writing the sentence(s). “Is” is a weak verb that can typically be replaced. For example: John is running to escape. Running for his life,
John …
6.
Skim the paper for the word “this.” “This” must always be followed by a clarifying noun.
Draw “^ + ________” above any instances where this appears. Where you can determine what the “this” is insert it on the line.
7.
NO CONTRACTIONS. Draw an “X” through them.
8.
NO INFORMAL PRONOUNS such as “I, you, we, us, etc…” Draw an “X” through them.
9.
As you read the paragraph note how the author begins each sentence WITHIN a paragraph.
Does he/she rely on the same sentence form (for example: subject + verb + prep phrase). Write
“VARY SENTENCE STRUCTURE” in the margin.
10.
If multiple paragraphs exist looking at the opening phrase for each. They should not begin the same way. Note if they do.
11.
Make sure the author does not repeat his/herself. Cross out repetitive phrases. Write
“redundant” in the margin.
12.
Is the author verbose? Can you rephrase their words to be more concise? Short and clear is the objective.
13.
Does the author use transitions? Avoid “First, second, next, last, etc…” wherever possible.
Replace with transitions such as “Indeed, moreover, furthermore, consequently, conversely, therefore, etc…”
14.
Is there anything that could benefit from clarification? That might be slightly unclear? Insert a
“?” above it.
Long quotations

For quotations that are more than four lines of prose or three lines of verse, place quotations in a free-standing block of text and omit quotation marks. Start the quotation on a new line, with the entire quote indented one inch from the left margin; maintain double-spacing. Only indent the first line of the quotation by an additional quarter inch if you are citing multiple paragraphs.
Your parenthetical citation should come after the closing punctuation mark. When quoting verse, maintain original line breaks. (You should maintain double-spacing throughout your essay.)
For example, when citing more than four lines of prose, use the following examples:
Nelly Dean treats Heathcliff poorly and dehumanizes him throughout her narration:
They entirely refused to have it in bed with them, or even in their room, and I had no more sense, so, I put it on the landing of the stairs, hoping it would be gone on the morrow. By chance, or else attracted by hearing his voice, it crept to Mr. Earnshaw's door, and there he found it on quitting his chamber. Inquiries were made as to how it got there; I was obliged to confess, and in recompense for my cowardice and inhumanity was sent out of the house. (Bronte 78)
Back to your analysis.