PEER EDITING

Q: Why do we need editing?

A: Editing by yourself is an excellent skill. But learning to edit other people’s work is a skill that will help you and others as well. Often when we write, it is difficult for us to see our strengths and/or weaknesses. An editor is often better able to see which parts are good, what makes sense, and where there could improvement.

How to edit

- When we edit someone’s work, general comments such as, “I like it”, or, “It’s bad” are good, but we need to be more specific. Focusing on a few specific points will help the writer to change their work in a way that improves their work.

- You must point out both good areas, and areas that need improvement. This will help the writer to see which areas they are good at, and which they need to focus on.

- It is often polite to start with the positive points first.

“THE FUNNIEST THING I HAVE EVER SEEN OR DONE”

1. Write a short paragraph about the funniest thing you have ever seen or

done. At this stage don’t worry about making your writing perfect;

this is just a draft. To make re-writing easier, make sure you write on

every second line. For this exercise you must:

· talk about a funny situation

· explain why or how the situation was funny

· use at least 3 adjectives in your paragraph

· write at least 5 sentences

2. Trade your paragraph with a partner, and edit their work using the

checklist below.

3. After reviewing your editor’s comments, rewrite your paragraph into a final draft. You may draw a picture to accompany it.

“THE FUNNIEST THING ….. EDITING CHECKLIST”

If the writer has satisfied the requirements on the right hand side, then put a checkmark on the line. These could be your “Stars” (positive comments). If the writer has not satisfied the requirements, then put a circle on the line. These could be your “Wishes” (suggestions). If the writer has only partially satisfied the requirements, then do nothing to the line. These could be a “Star” or a “Wish”. Make sure to give an example to support your stars/wishes.

Requirements of Assignment

Is the story about the assigned topic?

Is there an explanation about why the situation was funny?

Description

Are there at least 3 adjectives?

Are the adjectives used varied?

Are there different kinds of sentences?

Do all of the sentences make sense?

Paragraphs

Is the paragraph indented?

Are all of the ideas in the paragraph about the same thing?

Are there at least 5 sentences?

Spelling

Capitals

Periods

Are all of the words spelled correctly?

Are capitals used where they should be?

Are periods used where they should be?

Stars (3): I like how you _______________________________________________

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Wishes (2): You should _______________________________________________

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