Synthesis Essay Peer Review
(Sample provided for 2011 Summer Symposium)
Writer: _____________________
Reviewer 1: _____________________
Reviewer 2: _____________________
Does the “writer” have a draft?
Introduction
Are all authors and articles introduced?
Is a brief summary of the each essay provided?
(the main point(s) and, perhaps, some of the following info:
brief description of the author, info about the intended audience,
info about the context and purpose of the essay, possibly a quote
to give personality)
Is a clearly stated thesis provided?
(the thesis should denote the type of synthesis – argumentative,
explanatory or compare and contrast)
Comments:
Y or N Y or N
Y or N Y or N
Y or N Y or N
Y or N Y or N
Body (Synthesis – this portion will vary depending upon the type of synthesis)
Is a supporting reason (an aspect of the synthesis that ties to the thesis) clearly discussed?
Is information from essay A provided?
Is information from essay B provided?
Y or N Y or N
Y or N Y or N
Y or N Y or N
Is a 2nd supporting reason (an aspect of the synthesis that ties to the thesis) clearly discussed?
Is information from essay A provided?
Is information from essay B provided?
Y or N Y or N
Y or N Y or N
Y or N Y or N
Is a 3rd supporting reason (an aspect of the synthesis that ties to the thesis) clearly discussed?
Is information from essay A provided?
Is information from essay B provided?
Y or N Y or N
Y or N Y or N
Y or N Y or N
Do all reasons and pieces of evidence tie back to the thesis?
Comments:
Y or N Y or N
Conclusion
Does the writer provide a memorable and concise conclusion?
Comments:
Style and structure
Does the essay flow from sentence to sentence?
Does the essay flow from paragraph to paragraph?
Does the writer need to add in transitions?
Y or N Y or N
Y or N Y or N
Y or N Y or N
Y or N Y or N
Did you circle yes for every answer without paying attention to the question?
Is the tone on an academic level (check specific words and sentence structures)?
Comments:
Attributions
Has the author provided adequate attribution?
(“According to . . .” ; “As ________ asserts . . .”; etc.)
Were there any points that made you ask “Whose thought is this?”?
Comments:
Formatting, length and citations
Has the author provided in-text citations for summaries, paraphrases and quotes?
Are these citations correct?
Is a Works Cited page provided?
Is the Works Cited page correct?
Is the essay at least 4 pages?
Does the format follow MLA guidelines (margins, font, and heading)?
Has the writer provided a fitting and catchy title?
Comments:
Grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc.
Have you noticed any word-level or sentence level errors?
If so, try to offer advice on how to correct these issues.
Has the writer used contractions or first or second person?
If so, try to offer advice on how to change them.
Comments:
Overall, do you feel this writer has displayed good ethos, pathos and logos?
Y or N Y or N
Y or N Y or N
Y or N Y or N
Y or N Y or N
Y or N
Y or N
Y or N
Y or N
Y or N
Y or N
Y or N
Y or N
Y or N
Y or N
Y or N
Y or N
Y or N
Y or N
Y or N Y or N
Y or N Y or N
Y or N Y or N