Blog Assignment #6: Peer Comments

For this assignment you will offer your perspective to classmates in ENG 101.

First, you will click on your name below to find the blogs that need your comments. Follow the instructions provided below. Your main goal is to offer an overall evaluation of the blog, including praise, communicate what you believe to be their main ideas, and to provide helpful 'constructive criticism' for their revision process.

What is the goal my response?

The goal of your response is to offer the writer some positive praise and some suggestions for revision based on the assignment they had for the blog. Remember, you shouldn't feel confused about what they're writing about - you are their audience. If you're confused, you need to say why. If they need to expand their ideas, you need to tell which ones, and also how to do it. Their interest and focus should also make you interested. If you weren't interested, they need tell them what they could have done to make you more interested.

As for how you should organize your response, see the directions below. Here are the specific steps:


Blog Comment Directions (from the text Tutoring Writing)

1. Open a general statement of assessment about the blog's relationship to the assignment. Be clear about which parts fulfill the assignment and which parts need improvement.
2. Present comments so the writer knows which problems with text are most important and which are of lesser importance.
3. Use comments primarily to call attention to strengths and weaknesses in the piece, and be clear about the precise points where they occur.
4. Don't feel obligated to do all the 'fixing.' Refrain from focusing on grammar unless it impedes your ability to understand the piece.
5. Write comments that are text-specific, and uniquely aimed at the blog and the writer.

Strategies

1. Pose at least two questions that ask for clarification or that seek other possible views or more information on the subject.
2. Let the writer know what specific lines, ideas, and stylistic touches you find pleasing.
3. When you make a specific, concrete suggestion for improvement, try couching it in a qualifier: "You might try..." or "Why don't you add..." or "Another way of writing the lead might be..."
4. If you notice a pattern of errors (incorrect use of commas, etc) comment on it in a global way at the end of the piece.

How do I leave a comment again?

Press the "No Comments" or "Comments" link at the end of their blog entry.
Consider pasting your response from Microsoft Word, or simply write in the box.
Fill out the web-bot verification boxes.


What if someone else has already left a comment?

Leave yours, too.

What if I don't know why they're writing?

A) Their blogs *should* explain what they're doing. If they don't, that's something for you to offer criticism about.
B) Remember, each blog was in response to the assignment. The assignment and purpose should be clear in the blog. If it isn't, tell them, and tell them how they can make it more clear.

What is constructive criticism?

It's when you point out issues that need attention and offer suggestions for how to make the changes you propose.

What do I do? 

See the directions above after you find your name below. 

What if I have a question?

Email me!

Can I get extra credit for leaving feedback on more than my two assigned blogs?

Yes. Please email me for details. 

Click on your name below to find the blogs that you'll leave comments for. 

Alex, Alex
Amanda, Amanda
Angel, Angel
Brian, Brian
Christian, Christian
Crystal, Crystal
Ed, Ed
Enis, Enis
Eric, Eric
Gerlad, Gerald

Jason, Jason
Jeeylan, Jeeylan
Johnnie, Johnnie
Jorge, Jorge
Kenia, Kenia
Kenny, Kenny
Oscar, Oscar
Sonny, Sonny

EXTRA CREDIT: Students that leave comments on the following blogs will receive FIVE QUIZ POINTS for each comment, or THEY MAY APPLY as 1/2 of a BLOG if they are making up a blog. Students must indicate where they want the grade applied to the professor. (NOTE: Students may only receive up to 20 quiz points or ONE full 'make-up' blog).

EXTRA CREDIT BLOG COMMENT
EXTRA CREDIT BLOG COMMENT
EXTRA CREDIT BLOG COMMENT
EXTRA CREDIT BLOG COMMENT
EXTRA CREDIT BLOG COMMENT
EXTRA CREDIT BLOG COMMENT