Writer's Name:
To the Writer: Write 2-3 questions that you have about your draft at this point, questions that you would like your workshop partner to answer.
Reader's Name:
To the Reader:
First, read through the draft once without commenting on it. Then read the questions below. Consider them as you comment on the draft. Finally, take note of the writer's concerns and be sure to address them.
Questions about the Essay:
Review the summary portion of the paper. Do you see any problems with it? Does it serve as an introduction to the response? Is it no more than one or two paragraphs long? Does it include all of the elements of a good summary (title, author, main points in paraphrasing or quotes, and author tags)? Lastly, what can you tell the writer about how s/he might summarize the article more accurately? Please note any suggestions that you have for the summary in the margins of the essay (and below, if you like).
Is it clear where the summary ends and the response begins? Does the writer make a smooth transition(s) from summary to response?
Read the first paragraph of the response and stop. Can you tell what the focus (thesis) of the response is? Identify this thesis in the margins, then in the space below, write what you think the response will focus on.
Based on the thesis of the response, do you expect for this essay to analyze, to interpret and reflect, or to agree/disagree? Are your expectations met?
If this is an agree/disagree response, does the writer stick to the overall argument of the article and its specific points or does s/he discuss the subject of the article in general? If the essay is too general in places, indicate this in the margins.
If this is a textual analysis response, does the paper make multiple points which comment on the effectiveness/ineffectiveness of the article? Indicate places in the essay where you think there might need to be more analysis.
If this is an interpretive response, does the writer focus on explaining how s/he understood the meaning of the article? If not, indicate parts of the essay which offer opportunities for further interpretation and reflection.
Reasons
Does the writer explain his/her opinions about the article and its ideas throughout the response? Which opinions are well supported and which need more support? (Indicate in the margins.)
Evidence
What kind(s) of evidence does the response use (personal experience, evidence from the text, outside reading, analysis) to support its opinions (reasons)? Does the evidence seem sufficient? Does it seem valid? (Indicate in the margins areas where the response could use more support.)
Is the tone and language of the paper appropriate to an academic audience? Look for emotional or inflammatory tone or excessive use of slang or informal language. How could the writer use a more appropriate style?
Writer's Questions
Address the writer's own questions/concerns in the space below.
Write any general comments you have to offer in the space below. (Think about one or two areas of concern that the writer should pay attention to for in the next draft.)
REMEMBER TO SPEND AT LEAST 10 MINUTES DISCUSSING YOUR COMMENTS WITH YOUR PARTNER.