Persuasion: Arguing a Position Unit Peer Critique
(for the reader)
Read your peer’s draft and complete the following peer editing sheet.
Reader: ___________________________________
Writer: ____________________________________
Date: _____________________________________
1. Read the introductory paragraph. What is the controversial issue (arguable assertion) presented?______________________________________________________________
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2. What is the audience and tone of the paper? What are some good examples of the language used that is evidence of this? _______________________________________
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3. How does the argument follow a straightforward and logical progression? Identify any ‘gaps’ that can be found in the logic of the argument. _________________________
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4. Is the evidence used authoritative, clearly related to the reasoning, and well-cited using MLA style? What is the most important key piece of evidence for this argument?
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5. Where does the author cite and acknowledge a counter-argument for their paper? How does this strengthen or weaken the writer’s argument? ______________________
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6. Locate any sentences in the paper that are unclear and imprecise in their wording. Identify these and explain why here. _________________________________________
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7. List any examples of logical fallacy in this paper (check 691-2 in the St. Martin’s Guide if you have forgotten what these are). Identify them. ______________________
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8. What do you feel is the strongest part of this argument? What would you add to make it stronger? _____________________________________________________________
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9. Read the conclusion. Is the arguable assertion re-stated and the essay ‘wrapped up’?
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10. Circle and clearly indicate any punctuation, spelling, and grammatical errors that you see.
11. Verbally explain to the writer of the essay all of your comments and answer any questions he/she might have.