Then, read two of your classmates’ essays and respond to the following peer-review questions by Sunday. In total, your responses to each of your classmates should be 300+ words.
Does the opening paragraph clearly introduce the two subjects that the author is comparing or contrasting (or both)? If the author is writing on subjects that are obscure (that is, that the average person doesn’t already know about), then does the author give a detailed description and context with background information on the subjects so that the average reader can appreciate and understand the comparison that is being made in the essay?
Does the essay have multiple well-developed body paragraphs? Are any of these body paragraphs underdeveloped? If so, which might you expand or further develop? Does each body paragraph have one central focus (such as discussing one of the subjects in relation to one of the points (for instance, why conventional produce (the subject) doesn’t taste as good (the point). Are there any paragraphs that do not stick to a central focus (in other words, that seem like they’re going many directions at once)? Should some of the information that doesn’t stick to the central focus be edited out or put in a separate paragraph? Explain.
Does the opening paragraph state or imply–and does the concluding paragraph further emphasize and reinforce–what is meaningful or significant about comparing and/or contrasting the two topics, or what might be learned from this comparison?
How do you like the essay’s title? Is it too obvious or boring? Is it too obscure or broad? Remember, the best titles are catchy and engaging while also clearly suggesting or implying the subject of the essay.
Is the paper properly formatted in MLA style? If not, point out what formatting issues you see.
