Title: "Peer Review of Persuasive Essays" Workshop
Course: Persuasive Writing - MS ELA

In this workshop you will be reviewing three persuasive essays. One essay is a sample essay about summer vacation that was written by "Jordan" and appears on the Write Source website. The other two essays you review will be ones submitted by your classmates.

You will be using the same Yes/No checklist that we used together when we evaluated the essay about school uniforms. 80% of your grade will be based on how well you review your classmates' essays. The remaining 20% of your grade will come from the scores you receive for your essay.

You must first submit your draft essay in order to be assigned other students' essays for review.

Assessment form: Does the writer have a catchy hook at the beginning of the Introductory Paragraph?

Assessment form: Does the writer have at least 3 sentences of background information on the topic in the Introductory Paragraph?

Assessment form: Does the writer have a thesis statement in the Introductory Paragraph where he or she takes a position on the topic?

Assessment form: Does the writer's thesis statement appear as the last sentence of the Introductory Paragraph?

Assessment form: Does the first sentence in Body Paragraph 1 state the second strongest argument?

Assessment form: Does the writer give at least two explanations or examples to logically support the argument in Body Paragraph 1? (Minimum of 3 sentences)

Assessment form: Does the first sentence in the writer's Body Paragraph 2 state the strongest opposing viewpoint?

Assessment form: Do the remaining sentences in Body Paragraph 2 counter or refute that opposing argument?

Assessment form: Does the first sentence in the writer's Body Paragraph 3 state the strongest argument?

Assessment form: Does the writer give at least two explanations or examples to logically support the argument in Body Paragraph 3? (Minimum of 3 sentences)

Assessment form: Does the writer restate his or her thesis in a new way in the first sentence of the Concluding Paragraph?

Assessment form: Does the writer end the Concluding Paragraph with at least two sentences explaining a personal comment about the topic or a call to action?

Assessment form: Overall, does the writer always stick to his or her side of the argument?

Assessment form: Overall, is the writer's argument convincing?