Criteria for Evaluating Essay #1 Drafts

Students in English 198D identified the following criteria for evaluating drafts of Essay #1.  They also outlined helpful and unhelpful types of draft comments.

Understanding of the text, topic, and the issues under discussion

Thesis

• Forecasts the content of the paper
• Focused statement
• Defendable
• Combines both elements of the essay question
• Lets the reader know which theme the writer is addressing

• Has a structure that the reader can follow
• Demonstrates "flow," with transitions and other signals that help the reader move from point to point

• Drawn mainly from Wright, but also can take from Polenberg or Leffler
• Supports the argument
• Is introduced and interpreted by the writer, with quotes, paraphrases, and summaries balanced with interpretation

• Each paragraph supports the thesis
• Central argument is carried throughout the paper

• Conclusion can reiterate thesis, review how writer has proved his/her thesis, or the reader know why the topic and argument are important ("final significance," the "so what?")

Correct Grammar and Mechanics

Meets Length Requirements

Helpful and Unhelpful Comments

Helpful Comments

• Cite examples of a specific problem
• Offer suggestions on how to revise 
• Focus on specific ideas, asking questions or making comments
• Ask questions or raise issues that lead the writer to a new way of thinking
• Present detailed comments, explaining why a particular component of the paper doesn't work instead of just saying that it doesn't work
• Address all elements of the paper (thesis, structure, ideas, evidence, grammar, style)
• Point to strengths as well as weaknesses

Unhelpful Comments

• Replace the writer's words and ideas with the reviewer's
• Offer vague analysis or suggestions ("unclear," "develop," "good")
• Concentrate solely on weaknesses
• Address insignificant issues (for example, only grammar instead of ideas, thesis, etc.)