Peer Review
Essay #__
Written by: __________________Reviewed by: ________________________
Instructions:
1. Read your paper out loud to your peer review partner.
a. Make note of any comments you would like to make based on the author’s
presentation.
2. Have your partner read your essay again silently and complete the Peer Review checklist by
marking off each item. If there is a question, comment or suggestion, have your partner
make notes next to the relevant checklist item, OR, on the essay itself making a page number
reference next to the question on the checklist.
Depending on the essay type, items on the checklist may not apply. If unsure, confirm with the instructor.
Otherwise, write N/A next to the item and continue with the checklist.
Don’t be too critical, be constructive . . . don’t be too nice, be effective!
Format –
o Is the essay in a two-pocket folder?
o Printed on one side of white 8 ½” by 11” printer paper?
o Are all margins 1’?
o Is a multi-page essay stapled in the top, left-hand corner?
o Is the entire document Aligned Left?
o Are the following on the Top right hand corner of first page
o First & Last Name
o Class Name & Section Number
o Date Due
o Assignment Number (as identified in the course schedule)
o Is the author’s last name and page number on each subsequent page?
o Is the text Double Spaced?
o Is the title ½” from top of page?
o Are the beginnings of paragraphs indented 5 spaces from the margin?
o Is the font size: 12?
o Is the font type either Arial or Times New Roman?
Organization -
o Is there a clear introduction, body, and conclusion?
o Does the introduction provide sufficient background for the reader? Are the "who,"
"where," "why," "what," and "how" questions addressed?
o Is there a thesis sentence? Is the purpose of the essay clear?
o Does the essay move from general to specific?
o Are there sufficient transitions between related ideas?
o Is the overall organization murky or clean? In other words, does the writer avoid
introducing new material in the conclusion or switching subjects in the middle of a
paragraph in the body?
o Does every paragraph address the subject matter of the thesis in some way?
Content and Style -
o Does the essay show that the writer has a knowledge of the audience?
o Is the length appropriate and adequate?
o Has the writer used sufficient examples and detail to make his or her points clearly?
o Has the assignment been addressed?
o Is the tone of the essay appropriate?
o Has the writer avoided insulting the reader?
o Is the tone of the essay professional and appropriate?
o Is the language convincing, clear, and concise?
o Has the writer used fresh language and a creative approach?
Research and Sources -
o Are all sources credible?
o Is the research accurate, unbiased, and complete?
o Has the writer fully interpreted the findings?
o Has the writer commented on each source used?
o Is the analysis based on hard evidence?
o Is the analysis free of faulty reasoning?
o Is the documentation in the Works Cited page and body of the essay correct?
o Have all quotations been checked against the original?
o Are all quotations introduced? Is the flow of the essay seamless?
o If material was paraphrased, are the sources still mentioned?
o If necessary, are limitations clearly spelled out?
o If included, are recommendations based on accurate interpretations?
o Have all facts been checked for accuracy?
o Have any potentially libelous statements been eliminated?
Proofreading -
o Has the writer checked grammar and punctuation?
o Has the writer spell checked the essay?
o Has the writer checked for his or her particular pattern of error?
o Are the page numbers correct?
o Is the title capitalized correctly?
o Has the writer used the correct margin and font?