Seniors: Peer Editing Personal Statement

Peer Editing Sheet: Personal Statement Essays

Writer:

Editor:

Title of Essay:

1.)    What qualities does the person show about themselves through their writing?  List them.

2.)    Is the writing clear and concise?  Is there anything that you think they could do without?  Be ruthless (you can write this in the draft… don’t actually cross it out—ultimately it is the writer’s decision-- but underline and label things you think should be deleted).

3.)    Is the writing SPECIFIC?  If they say something was great or sad or desirable, do they explain why/how?  If anything leaves you guessing, list it below.

4.)    Did the writer use interesting verbs (those are the action words)?  Circle the verbs in each sentence.  Think about it and possibly suggest synonyms.

5.)    Did the author divide their essay into paragraphs?  If they did, make sure their paragraphs hang together and not apart (it’s divided at appropriate junctures).  If not, where should they be?

6.)    Did the author use topic sentences to allow their essay to hang together?  At no point should you feel lost.  Point out places that are unclear and suggest improvements.

7.)    Did the author use effective transitions throughout so their essay is easy to read/follow?  Put a square around them (I am running out of symbols here, sorry).

8.)    Did the essay capture your interest?  Why/how?

9.)    If you ONLY knew this person from their essay, would you think they would be an interesting/dynamic person to go to college with?  Why or why not?  Consider the content AND the writing style.  (Be reasonably kind and constructive).

10.)  Any other suggestions or comments?