About Peer Review
Peer Review has proven to be an effective tool in developing strong writers and
is a critical component of many college-writing classes. It is one of the practices
that distinguish us as a writing community and it will serve us most effectively if
we keep its goals and guidelines in mind.
Goals:

To develop our ability to recognize the elements and characteristics that make up a
particular piece of writing, and to more easily recognize the strengths and
weaknesses in a particular work. This derives from peer review because we tend
to be more objective about the work of others than about our own. In
analyzing others’ work, we gain the skills to review and revise our own.

To have the opportunity to read the work of other students.

To create a larger audience for our own work.
Guidelines:
Before critiquing, make every effort to understand the purpose and message, or
precise focus, of the piece up for workshop. Be ready to articulate that in your own
words.
Address the strengths and weaknesses of the purpose, message and focus first,
before moving on to details.
Analyze other strengths and weaknesses of the piece in relation to its purpose,
message, focus.
Catharine Wright