Editing Day—Things to Consider About the Paper You’re Reading

Constructive criticism is expected throughout!

Thesis and Introduction:
· What is the thesis? Is it clear? Is it appropriate? Is it in the right place?
· Put an X in the margin next to the sentence you feel is the thesis.
· Is the introduction interesting? Does it avoid the problems we’ve discussed? Is it a funnel paragraph? How can it be improved?
Organization—Overall and Paragraphs:
· Is the paper focused? Is it well-organized? How might the overall organization be improved?
· Are the paragraphs well-developed? Are any too short or too long? Are any paragraphs incomplete or “rambling”? Point out the places where you find these problems.
Development:
· Does the author use specific and concrete examples and details? Can you suggest any places where more or better details might be used?
· What could the writer do to improve overall development?
Conclusion:
· Is the conclusion interesting? Does it avoid the problems we’ve discussed? Is it a summary?
· How can it be improved?
Sentences:
· Does the paper contain any fragments? Does it contain any run-ons?
· Are the sentences varied in lengths and structures?
· Can you find any places where the sentences seem short and choppy? Point out these places to the author.
Words:
· Are the word choices clear, varied, and appropriate? Can you suggest any places where better word choices might be used?
· Are the words spelled correctly?
Mechanics and Usage:
· Are there errors in punctuation, grammar, usage, etc.?
· Point these out to the author.
Clarity and Tone
· Is the paper clear, overall?
· Does the paper sound too formal or “forced”? Does it sound too informal?
· Can you suggest ways to improve clarity and tone?
Overall:
· Does the paper respond to the assignment? If not, how might the author change the paper so that it does respond.
· Does the paper seem too long or too short?
Finally:
· What is the weakest aspect of this paper? How can this weakness be improved?
· MANDATORY: What is the strongest aspect of the paper? What did you like best?