Peer Marking Checklist

As you progress through the essay of your partner, check the following elements: Introduction: 1. Does their essay start with a clear, concise thesis statement? 2. Does this thesis statement directly answer the question? 3. Is there an identifiable introduction? 4. Does the introduction identify which themes and positioning techniques the essay will address? 5. Does the introduction mention the novel and the author by name? Repeat the following questions for each main body paragraph: 7. Does the main body paragraph have a clear, concise topic sentence that identifies which theme will be addressed? 8. Does the topic sentence also have a clear link back to the thesis statement? 9. Does the paragraph include relevant evidence from the novel to support the argument? 11. Is the evidence integrated into the discussion? 12. Is there a page number reference for the evidence? 13. Is the evidence synthesised - i.e. is there discussion after the evidence that explores why it is relevant to the argument. Remember, it should not just be a rephrasing of the evidence. 14. Does the paragraph involve discussion of what technique(s) the novel uses to portray this theme to the audience? 15. Does the paragraph only deal with one key concept? 16. Is there a closing statement that wraps up the paragraph? Conclusion: 17. Does the conclusion draw on the evidence that has been provided and discussed to make a closing argument? 18. Does it draw the reader's attention back to the initial question? 19. Does it draw the reader's attention back to the main arguments? 20. Does it make direct reference to the novel and the author by name? 21. Does it avoid bringing in any new information or evidence? 22. Does it close by leaving the reader with something to consider? General Proof-Reading: 23. Are there instances where punctuation needs to be addressed? 24. Are there instances where spelling needs to be addressed? 25. Are there instances where the information is hard to follow because of poor sentence construction? 26. Are there instances where the information is hard to follow because of poor expression? 27. Are there instances where the writer has made poor word choices? 28. Does the writer avoid using first person and second person? 29. Are there instances where the writer has made grammar mistakes? 30. Does the writer use present tense when discussing the text? 31. Is the writer's essay legible? I.e. do they need to work on their handwriting?