Questions for Reviewing a Draft

1.  Topic  Does the draft focus on the topic and take up the question or issue it presents?  What could the writer do to better fulfil the assignment?

2.  Title  Does the title tell you what the draft is about?  Does it catch your interest?  How?

3.  Opening  What does the draft's opening sentence accomplish?  How else might the writer begin?

4.  Thesis statement  Paraphrase the thesis statement as a promise:  "In this paper, I will…"  Does the draft fulfil that promise?

5.  Supporting points  List the main points, in order of presentation.  Review them one by one: 
•	Do any need to be explained more (or less) fully?
•	Should any be eliminated?
•	Do any seem confusing?
•	Do any make you want to know more?
•	How well are the points supported by evidence or details from the text?

6.  Organization   
•	Do the points seem to be organized in a logical order?
•	What, if anything, might be moved?
•	Can you suggest ways to make connections between paragraphs clearer and easier to follow?

7.  Paragraphs
•	Which paragraphs are clearest and most interesting to read, and why?
•	Which ones are well developed, and how are they developed?
•	Which paragraphs need further development, and what kind of information seems to be missing?
•	What is almost said, implied, but not clearly or directly argued?

8.  Sentences   Are sentences varied in length, structure, and openings?

9.  Words  Mark words that are particularly effective, that draw vivid images or provoke strong responses.  Are verbs active?  Which words or phrases stick in your mind?

10.  Conclusion   Does the draft conclude the paper's argument well, or does it end abruptly, simply restate part of the introduction, or trail off into vagueness?

11.  Believe (or pretend to believe) everything your peers have written.  Be their ally and tell them what you see.  Give them more ideas or perceptions to help their case.  Then doubt everything and tell them what you see. What arguments can be made against what they say?

12.  Final thoughts
•	What are the main strengths and weaknesses in the draft?
•	What surprised you and why?
•	What was the single most important thing said?
•	What do you want to know more about?