Critical questions for drafts explaining a concept

1.  Read for a First Impression. Read first to get a sense of the concept.

Then briefly write out your impressions. What in the draft do you think will especially interest the intended readers? Where might they have difficulty in following the explanation?

 2.  Assess Whether the Concept Is Clearly Explained and Focused.

a. Restate, in one sentence, what you understand the concept to mean.

b. Indicate any confusion or uncertainty you have about its meaning. Given the concept, does the focus seem appropriate, too broad, or too narrow for the intended readers?

c. Can you think of a more interesting aspect of the concept on which to focus the explanation?

 3.  Consider Whether the Content Is Appropriate for the Intended Readers.

a. Does the essay contain mostly general information that is already widely known?

b. What specific aspect of this concept is the essay's focus?

c. Can you suggest additional information that a reader might want to know?

d. Point out any information that seems either superfluous or too predictable.

4.  Evaluate the Organization. Look at the way the essay is organized

a. How is the information divided, overall? (categories, steps, point by point comparison, chronologically as a history?

b. Is that a logical way to organize the essay? If not, suggest a better way to arrange information

c. Also consider the order or sequence of information. Can you suggest a more logical or clearer way of sequencing it?

 d. Look at the beginning. Does it pull readers into the essay and make them want to continue? Does it adequately forecast the direction of the essay? If possible, suggest a better way to begin.

 e.  Look for obvious transitions in the draft, from paragraph to paragraph, from general to specific information and back again, from idea to idea. Can they be smoother, clearer, or do they not exist at all? Tell the writer where a transition is needed or where a transition seems awkward or confusing.

 f. Look at the ending. Does it introduce any ideas or points not previously discussed? IT SHOUDLN'T!

5.  Assess the Clarity of Definitions.

a. Point out any definitions or explanations that may be unclear or confusing .

b.Identify any other terms that may need to be defined .

 6.  Evaluate the Use of Sources.

a. Review the  sources cited. Given the purpose, readers, and focus of the essay, does the list seem balanced? Are the selections appropriate? Or is a source more expert than a blog or Wikipedia needed? For what purpose?

b. Try to suggest concerns or questions about sources that readers knowledgeable about the concept might raise.

c. Then consider the use of sources within the text of the essay. Are there places where summary or paraphrase would be preferable to quoted material, or vice versa? Remember, quotes are to be used only if they're elegantly beyond paraphrasing.

c. Note any places where the writer has placed quotations awkwardly into the text and recommend ways to smooth them out. Quotes can't BE text--they have to be introduced, and they should be interpreted in some way.

7.  Evaluate the Effectiveness of Visuals. If charts, graphs, tables, or other visuals are included, let the writer know if they help you understand the concept or if you find them confusing. Suggest ideas you have for changing, adding, moving, or deleting visuals.

8.  Give the Writer Your Final Thoughts. Which part needs the most work? What do you think the intended readers will find most informative or memorable? What do you like best about the draft essay?