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Writing from A to Z, The Easy-to-Use Reference Handbook
DO’S AND DON’T’S OF PEER REVISION
Do’s
1. Do treat the writer with respect. Do comment on the performance, not the author.
2. Do focus on how the thesis is supported (or not), rather than stressing whether you agree or disagree with it.
3. Do aim for balance (as well as thoroughness) in pointing out both strengths and problem areas.
4. Do comment on specific examples of both strengths and problem areas.
5. Do aim to help the writer see how to improve future work as well as the current draft.
Don’t’s
1. Be courteous in the tone of your input; don’t use snippy marginal comments such as "So what?" or "What’s your point?"
2. Don’t get into debates over questions of individual values and beliefs; focus on the writing. Raise objections or ask for explanations only to clarify and suggest ways of strengthening the thesis.
3. Don’t confine your comments solely to mechanical details (spelling, punctuation, etc.).
4. Don’t make vague, global comments without offering examples to illustrate your point.
5. Don’t rewrite for the writer.
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Copyright ©2001 The McGraw-Hill Companies. Any use is subject to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. McGraw-Hill Higher Education is one of the many fine businesses of
The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc..