Peer Consultation Assignment
note: bring two copies of your essay draft on Monday and two copies
of the PC on Weds.
This is a written take-home peer consultation for the purpose
of providing a reader's reaction to the researched essay draft and feedback
useful for the writer in revising their draft. Revising is not defined here
as editing for errors, but as making improvements in the thesis, argument,
structure, research, and style of the essay. Accordingly, your consultation
will focus primarily on these issues.
Write the consultation as a letter with a brief introduction.
Address the writer directly as you and yourself as I. Answer
the prompts as closely as you can and end with a conclusion.
- Read your copy of the essay and annotate it briefly in
the margins, noting any places where you got lost, did not understand a
point, or thought the writer made a great point.
- Re-read the essay with the following prompts in mind.
Take notes and then compose your PC letter.
- Identify in your own words the main point (thesis, main
claim) of the essay.
- Identify the claims used to support the thesis. Briefly
summarize these.
- Discuss the thesis: Is it a valid insight? Is it "at
issue," that is, arguable? If the thesis is too obvious, say so. If
it is too general or does not reflect what the writer goes on to argue,
say so. Of course, note what it does accomplish. What is good about the
thesis?
- Discuss how the argument that follows supports the thesis
and note any holes in the argument where intelligent, critical readers
might talk back and point out discrepancies. How do they use the language
of the novel? Do they engage with the language?
- Discuss the logical "flow" of the essay and
note any places where the structure seems illogical.
- Discuss the writer's use of research. Is the research
dropped in or is it integral to the argument? Do they clearly summarize
researched arguments? Do they argue against any? Is it clear what is the
writer's work and what other authors' work? Good arguments often will answer
possible objections from readers. Have they done that? Should they and
if yes, where? Note any problems with quotations and citations.
- Discuss the the style of writing. Was it enjoyable to
read? Is the diction appropriate for an academic essay? Is it too dry or
too wet? Note any effective or ineffective uses of figures of speech.
- Summarize briefly your findings and make recommendations
for improvement. Offer some words of encouragement.
Due 3/10 at the beginning of class. Hand back the essay
together with a copy of your PC to the writer and hand in a copy of the
PC to me.
Total points: 50
The PC will be evaluated on thoroughness, completion, and
level of analysis, usefulness of the feedback.
Schedule page