A classmate's feedback is easier to use when it identifies a specific part of the work and proposes a change the writer can make. “Nice” does not explain what worked, while “weak” does not explain what to change. This short template reviews a paragraph and can be adapted to the lesson's goal.
Agree on the criterion first
The teacher chooses one or two previously explained criteria, such as a clear main idea and a supporting example. Model a comment that respects the writer and focuses on the text. Students are not asked to judge a classmate's personality or assign a final grade: the review is an opportunity to improve the work.
Copyable template
| Part | Sentence starter |
|---|---|
| Criterion | I will look for… |
| Specific observation | In the sentence… I noticed… |
| Successful element | This part supports the idea because… |
| One suggestion | You could add or explain… so that… |
| Writer's response | I will try the suggestion or ask for clarification because… |
| Check after revision | This changed… and this still needs… |
Start with one suggestion so the writer can try it. Allow time for reading and revision, and accept spoken feedback when writing makes participation difficult. Do not share drafts or comments outside the authorised group.
Before-and-after example
Fictional first draft: “The library is useful. It has many things. I like going there.” Criterion: support the main idea with an example. Peer comment: “The first sentence makes the topic clear. ‘Many things’ is general; you could name something you used at the library and explain how it helped.”
Writer's response: “I will add an atlas example.” Revised text: “The library is useful: I used an atlas there to locate a city from our geography lesson. That is why I like going there.” The revision adds an example connected to the idea, but it is not the only acceptable wording.
The teacher's and writer's roles
The teacher samples comments to check that students understand the criterion and corrects inaccurate information. Writers may ask for clarification or decline a suggestion with a task-related reason; peer review does not mean following every comment without thought. Compare the draft and revision to identify what actually improved, rather than judging quality by comment count alone.
Use the worksheet independently or within a suitable learning tool. Explore Schoolizer without assuming a dedicated import feature for this template. For general guidance before, during and after review, see Turnitin's student checklist. This worksheet and paragraph example are original.
