Writing Critique

I try as often as I can to have students look at other student work anonymously and evaluate it on a number of levels. The idea behind these critique activities is to give students a chance to be reflective about a piece of writing without having to feel self conscious. I have done this activity in a number of ways which I will explain below. 

Offer students a few options of previously written introductions and body paragraphs. Its always good to select a range and have them complete a chart with the following in formation. I always recommend doing one as a model with the students so that they get a sense for what you are asking them to do. 

Introduction Critique

Possible Title for this Paper

Was there a strong hook? Why do say yes or no?

Did the student provide sufficient background? Explain.

How would you evaluate the thesis? Strong or weak? Explain.

What type of arguments or evidence do you expect to see in the body of this paper?

Overall, what was effective or ineffective about this Intro?

Be the teacher: Grade!

Body Paragraph Critique 

Is there a clear topic sentence? Explain

Are there multiple pieces of evidence from different sources? Why is it important?

Was the evidence well explained and analyzed? Explain

Did the student prove the point they intended to prove? Explain

How would you evaluate the paragraph? Strong or weak? Explain.

Overall, what was effective or ineffective about this body paragraph?

Be the teacher: Grade!