Writer:

Editor:

<aside> ❗ READ THE PAPER THROUGH FIRST WITHOUT COMMENT. Then answer each question thoroughly.

</aside>

  1. What is the writer’s thesis? If you cannot find it, ask the writer, but point out the lack of clarity.
  2. Look at the intro. What has the writer done to catch your attention? SUGGEST AN ALTERNATIVE. How has the writer incorporated ideas from every Roman numeral in the intro? Point out areas that are not touched upon.
  3. Look at the paper and the outline together. Comment on the following: what areas in the outline are not in the paper? What ideas in the paper are not in the outline? What areas, if any, are in a different order in the two? What ideas, if any, need to be put in a different order in the paper?
  4. Examine the content of the paper. Point out any ideas that need to be stated more clearly. Also point out any ideas that need more support.
  5. Examine the use of outside sources. Point out any idea from an outside source which is not cited. Point out any use of a source’s words which is not included in quotation marks Look at the works cited page and the paper together. Point out any source that is in the paper but not in the works cited. Also point out any source on the works cited that is not used in the paper. Point out any citation in the paper that needs more information.
  6. Look at transitions. These will be especially important when moving from one major idea (Roman numeral) to another. Point out areas that need transitions or any transitions that need work.
  7. Examine the conclusion of the paper. How has the writer brought closure? How has the writer returned to the thesis without simply repeating it? Suggest improvements.
  8. Point out any errors you see in the paper.
  9. The research paper should include academic language, suitable for college work. Examine the use of language in the paper. Point out informal language (“you,” “a lot,” “huge,” “stuff.”) Point out repetition in phrasing.
  10. Use this space to write any questions you have about the paper’s content or documentation. Make sure you talk to the writer about these questions, too.
  11. Suggest a good title. For research papers, often the best titles include a subtitle.
  12. What did you like best about the paper? What needed the most work?