China Gazetteer: Research Essay Peer Feedback

ImportantDue

Due date set in Google Classroom

This assignment asks you to closely read and comment on a few classmates’ research essay drafts. The goal is to get a feel for the overall structure and argumentation, and provide feedback of your reading experience and suggestions for improvement. This feedback will also provide the material for the Writing Workshop.

1. Share your essay document with your peer feedback partners.

Open your submitted essay document, click the Share button, and paste the email addresses of each of your peer feedback partners (you can find your peer group in the Google Classroom assignment). Be sure to select “Commenter” permissions and check the “Notify people” box.

2. Reread the essay draft instructions

To warm up, carefully reread the draft assignment instructions. Keep these fresh in mind as you read the draft.

3. Initial reading

Read each draft through from beginning to end, without pausing for thoughts or comments. Take a break, or a night’s sleep, and let the readings move to the back of your mind.

4. Feedback reading

Reread each draft, taking time to mark the following inline comments using the Google Doc commenting tool .

  • Mark the problem statement and argument with a PS and ARG.
  • Mark at least 5 reading response comments.
    • Mark the best phrase, paragraph, or idea in the draft with a 😊 smile emoji of some kind.
    • Mark at least 2 places where a good, clear, important point is made with a ✓ check mark or 👍 thumbs up.
    • Mark at least 2 places where you are unclear or confused, or where tone changes (an external or AI voice), with a ? or ❓ question mark.
  • Make any additional comments that you wish to explain your feedback.

5. Read the Dear Reader letter

Read the author’s Dear Reader letter (at the bottom of the document).

6. Write Reader comments

Then, below the Dear Reader letter and in the document itself, create a new heading following this format:

Reader: Your Name, NetID

In a paragraph, respond to each of the following questions in explanatory sentences.

  • Paraphrase the problem statement and argument of the draft.
  • What worked well?
  • Does the draft hang together as one clear, logical piece of writing?
  • Did the draft meet all assignment objectives? Does it synthesize both external sources and course concept(s)?
  • Did the draft effectively demonstrate the author’s understanding of the material?
  • What suggestions do you have for improvement? Is anything missing? Should anything be cut?
  • What is the biggest strength of the draft?

Conclude your comments with a list 2 or 3 bullet points to discuss during the writing workshop (everyone in each group needs to be prepared to comment in class).

Reminder: You should provide Reader comments for each of your peer feedback group members.

WarningAssessment

Draft shared with peer feedback group at least 2 days before deadline.
Inline comments made (PS/ARG, 5 reading response, optional additional).
Reader comments (after Dear Reader letter) are present and complete.
Discussion topics for Writing Workshop present.