How to Critique a Rough Draft

Becoming a better writer is in large measure becoming a better reviser, and critiquing each other's work will help you develop this skill. However, if the groups are to function effectively, and if each person is to benefit, it is absolutely essential that everyone write full, thoughtful comments. Failure to do so lets the other people down, and I will lower the paper grade of anyone who doesn't put in a reasonable effort on the comments. Please follow this handout's instructions for critiquing a rough draft.

When you write your comments, you may make minor corrections and short comments directly on the draft. The bulk of your comments and suggestions, however, should be written or typed separately. Attach your comments to the draft, making sure to write "Critiqued by your name" at the top of the first comments page and first page of the draft.

Three general guidelines should govern your comments:

• Be specific and thorough. Saying something is "good" or "interesting" or "unclear" isn't very helpful--take the time to explain why it's good or interesting or unclear. Similarly, if you think the evidence is weak, explain why and suggest ways to strengthen it; if a paragraph rambles, tell the writer what she should do about it (divide the paragraph into several paragraphs? eliminate some of the paragraph? incorporate the material into other paragraphs?), etc. Remember, you're trying to help, not judge: constructive criticism coupled with positive suggestions for revision will help the writer most. (Students complain about not getting enough feedback rather than about too much.)

• Don't focus on editing issues like spelling, grammar, typos. Instead, give attention to the quality of the ideas expressed, how well they're supported, whether the paper is convincing, how the paper is structured, the clarity and sophistication of the thesis, sentence and paragraph development, etc. Note grammatical or stylistic problems, in other words, but don't dwell on them.

• Be both constructive and critical. Look for things that are good and for those that need improvement. It's as important for the writer to know what's working as it is for her to know what isn't. But this isn't a love fest, and the writer will benefit more from thoughtful criticism and specific suggestions than a string of compliments. Just keep in mind that being critical doesn't mean being hostile or sarcastic like a movie reviewer.

Follow these steps for writing your critique:

1. Read the draft all the way through to get a feel for the argument. Don't make any comments during this first reading.

2. Go back to the beginning and start reading again. When you've finished the introduction, begin your comments by identifying or putting into your own words the writer's preliminary thesis. Assess the thesis: does it follow the assignment and is it a) clear b) specific and c) non-trivial, i.e. does it articulate a position on which there could be disagreement? This is a vital step, one that requires you to be at your most thoughtful and honest. Telling someone he has a thesis when he doesn't, or that his thesis is specific when it isn't, doesn't do that person much good.

3. When you finish each paragraph, assess:
   • the unity of the paragraph (does it stick to one topic?)
   • the coherence of the paragraph (does the paragraph move smoothly from one sentence to the next?)
   • the development of the paragraph (is the supporting evidence specific and concrete? is there enough evidence? does the evidence support the main idea?)
   • the paragraph's place in the organization and development of the paper as a whole

   Comment on any of these areas that seem to you to be well done or to need work. If you believe something should be cut or changed, be specific about what you think should be done and why.

4. At the end of the paper, write an assessment of the paper and its argument as a whole. In particular, determine if the paper has proven the thesis announced at the beginning (drafts often develop a different argument from the one they start out with; at the very least they usually become more specific and precise). Suggest ways for the writer to make the thesis clearer and more specific. Make detailed and specific revision suggestions that you believe will make the paper stronger. Here again, it is crucial that you be critical, honest, and thorough--help the writer to clarify, refine, and improve her argument.