Directions for the Peer Response Memo

For Wednesday’s class, you will need to write a memo to the writer of each paper you received yesterday. You will need to "cc" one copy to me,  so that I can give you the points for doing it, so make one copy of each memo that you write for me.

General format and tone:
The memo should be between 1 and 2 pages, typed or neatly handwritten, single spaced. You can organize the information in whatever way you choose – you can address points with bulleted or numbered lists, or you can use paragraphs. Note: Organize so that the writer can easily process your advice – don’t just list random points so that the writer has a hard time figuring out what needs work and what is going well.

Regardless of the way you choose to organize, you’ll need to carefully consider the tone of your memo. You don’t want to be so positive and gushing that the writer gets no sense of what to revise. You also don’t want to offend the writer with rude or overly harsh criticism.

If you are nervous about offending someone, try the following techniques when you offer criticism

Use "Soft" language …….."You might want to add an example…"

                                            "Maybe deleting this paragraph would help…"

Use "I" statements …….. "As a reader, I got lost after your first example…"

                                            "I was confused by the example in the second…"

                                            "As a reader, I wanted more detail when you described…"

                                            "I wasn’t really engaged by the first sentence…

Content of the memo:

You should begin the memo with some specific aspects of the draft that you like: inspire the writer to feel good about his/her draft so they can return to the draft with the confidence to revise!

Answer the questions listed below in your response. 

  1. What do you think the writer’s thesis is? In other words, what is the message the writer wants to communicate? (If the focus is too broad, or confusing, simple, or split in some way, let the writer know.)
  2. Where could the writer use more specific details/examples/quotes/background information to enhance and support the focus and analysis? (look for claims that the writer needs to support)
  3. How is the organization working – does the writer need more paragraph breaks, transitions, connections?
  4. Are there any ideas/statements for which you need more explanation or analysis?
  5. Are there places where the essay seems to lose focus? In what places do you lose a sense of the writer’s thesis and purpose? Are there places that seem to wander?
  6. Any other comments?