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Questions to Help You Respond Effectively to a Classmate's Draft

Here are some questions to ask yourself as you write your response to a classmate's draft:

 

bulletWhat did I like best about this draft? Why?

 

bulletWhich section(s) worked especially well for me? Why?

 

bulletIs the focus of the piece clear to you? Can it be made better?

 

bulletDoes the writer's main point--or line of argument--come through effectively?

 

bulletAre the beginning and conclusion effective? If not, how can they be improved?

 

bulletAre there any significant gaps in the essay? Is anything important missing? What?

 

bulletIs there any material that can be left out? Specify.

 

bulletAre there paragraphs or sentences that need work?

 

Again, be as specific as you can in your responses. It doesn't help a writer when you say, "I liked it." Or "That was lame." The writer needs to know what specifically you liked and why. More important, the writer needs to know specifically what doesn't work for you and why..