Below is the link to my peer-review comments that I write about in Learning Outcome 4.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FfsAyOqsTOHWe2m1ZQB-vOi_4_OIa0rwN2dUTB2q4pg/edit
When reviewing my peers’ drafts, I tried to pass on information given to me from Professor Miller, as well as writing fellow, Anjana. As much as possible, I tried to only give suggestions for things that we have covered in class, or comments I have received on my work. That way, I know I’m giving accurate, helpful tips. When reviewing a classmate’s essay on how technology causes humans to be less focused, I noticed that their writing was missing a passage that includes the impact of their thesis on a larger scale. What are the detrimental effects of technology causing us to be less focused? What negative effects will it have on people mentally and socially? As a reader, these are questions that I want answered in the essay. In addition, the first draft did not include enough “I say” in the writing. I want to know what the writer believes, and how there is evidence of her opinions in our lives today. Connecting their own personal beliefs into the writing would result in more relatability between the reader and what the writer is saying. There were instances in the first draft where the writer didn’t provide enough context when dropping a quote into the paper. At times, the writer’s quotes needed more introduction, as well as more evidence that connects the writer of the quote to what my classmate was saying. The more peer review I completed the better, and more comfortable I felt doing it. As I progressed, I became able to give enough positive remarks that encouraged the writer to continue down a certain path, while also giving evidence of where the writer can improve. Also, having received peer review from classmates I was able to note what was helpful to be suggested and what wasn’t. Giving grammar tips, or suggestions about minor flaws in the paper wasn’t helpful, in my opinion; after all, it is a first draft. As a writer, I want to know how I can best improve the experience of the reader so my argument is clear, interesting, and accurate all at the same time. I tried to transfer what I know worked best for me in my peer review into how I would give suggestions to my classmates.
