First, read the mystery as a reader, not as an editor. Enjoy the plot, suspense, twists, and characters.
What did you enjoy most about this mystery? Be specific and explain you answer.
Second, as an editor, consider the mystery from a “big picture” perspective. Answer the following questions based on your partner’s mystery:
1.
Did the writer hook you in from the first sentence? Yes / No If not, what could he/she add to make it more intense/interesting? Write your suggestions on his/her essay near the beginning paragraph.
2.
What is the problem or crime? _____________________________________________________________
3.
Who is/are the detective(s)? ______________________________________________________________
4.
Did your partner develop the detective thoroughly? Yes / No What could your partner add to his or her story that would make the detective a more developed/interesting/dynamic character? Write your
suggestions below (even if you answered “yes” to the above question!).
5.
Who are the suspects in the story? ____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
6.
Did you figure out the mystery before the end/explanation? Yes / No
7.
What clue gave it away? Explain. ____________________________________________________________

8.
How could your partner make the story more suspenseful? Find at least one scene where he/she could add suspense. Write your suggestions on his/her essay.
9.
How could your partner throw the reader off the trail of the real crook? Give at least one suggestion below
that could distract the reader from the real clues.
10.
What line(s) of dialogue are most effective? Highlight the line(s) in his/her essay. Next to the highlighted
portion explain why you liked this dialogue so much.
11.
Where could your partner add more dialogue or revise the dialogue to make the character seem more real or give the character a stronger, more unique voice? Draw a star next to the section where dialogue needs to be added or revised. Give suggestions in the margin as to what needs to be changed or ideas for what needs to be said.
12.
Look at the ending. Do you like the way your partner closed his/her mystery? Yes / No a.
What could he/she do to make the ending more interesting? Write your suggestions on his/her
mystery near the ending. b.
Is his/her ending clear? Does it flow? Write your suggestions on his/her mystery near the ending.
Third, look at the essay from a detail-oriented perspective. Consider the following questions:
1.
Is the mystery double-spaced throughout? Yes / No
2.
Does the mystery have an interesting title? Yes / No If not, what do you suggest? Write your suggestion below.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
3.
Is the title centered? Yes / No
4.
Does your partner’s paper have adequate and appropriately placed paragraph breaks? If not, draw a
next to places where your partner should make a new paragraph.
Just looking for typos!
Remember that in dialogue, when a speaker changes, you start a new paragraph.
5.
Has your partner used an easy-to-read font style that is size 12? Yes / No
6.
Mark any typos or grammatical errors on the actual essay as you read.