peer review questions / rhetorical analysis

By Laura Michael Brown, September 9, 2014

(1) Introduction
a. Does the analysis begin with a “hook” to catch the audience’s attention?
b. Is there an effective thesis statement that indicates the author’s perspective on the effectiveness of the text? Mark on their paper where you think their thesis statement or controlling idea is located.
c. How could they make the introduction stronger or more interesting?

(2) Analysis
a. Most of the choices you make in your analysis are up to you, but every paper must at least identify the author of the text, the method of publication or distribution, the intended audience for the text itself, and the argument they understand the text to be making—if your classmates have failed to mention those elements, help them out!
b. Does the writer address the context surrounding their text? Do they discuss the exigence for the text? Do they need more/less information about these elements?
c. Do they effectively connect analysis and description? Are there any moments that seem too descriptive? Do they refer back to the text to support their analysis? Are there any points that need more detail or more evidence?
d. Are there any another questions you think the writer has left unanswered?

(3) Organization/Transitions
a. Does the writer make a specific point in each body paragraph? Do these paragraphs begin with strong analytic statements, not simply descriptive statements?
b. Does the analysis flow smoothly from point to point? Can you understand the logical connections between their main arguments? Identify any areas where clearer transitions are needed.
c. What are your thoughts on the general organization of the piece? Did they organize chronologically or thematically? Do you think they made the right choice?

(4) Conclusion
Is the conclusion effective? Does it make it clear what the writer wishes the reader to take away from the analysis? What suggestions do you have for improvement?

(5) Argument
Summarize or restate (in your own words) the argument that you believe the writer is making about the text in question. Hopefully, this is easy to do. If you have a hard time understanding the main argument of the paper, let the writer know—that is a sign that their ideas need to be stated more clearly.

(6) Constructive Criticism
Indicate one thing you think the writer did exceptionally well. Then, list the three things you think are most important for the writer to focus on as they revise.