How to Do Peer Editing (What to Actually Look For)

TL;DR

Good peer editing goes beyond circling typos. Focus on the big stuff first: Is the thesis clear? Does the argument make sense? Is there enough evidence? Then check paragraph structure, flow, and transitions. Save grammar and spelling for last. Be specific and kind — "this paragraph is confusing because..." is way more helpful than "this is bad." Use a checklist and give feedback you'd want to receive.

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Why Peer Editing Feels Awkward (And Why It Matters Anyway)

Let's be honest: peer editing usually goes one of two ways:

Option A: You read your partner's essay, write "looks good!" at the top, and hand it back. No actual feedback given.

Option B: You mark every comma error you can find, ignore everything else, and hand it back covered in red marks that don't actually help improve the paper.

Both are useless. And both come from the same place: nobody taught you HOW to give useful feedback.

Here's why you should care: peer editing is one of the most valuable skills you can develop as a writer and thinker. When you learn to identify weaknesses in someone else's writing, you get better at finding them in your own. The best writers aren't the ones who produce perfect first drafts — they're the ones who are excellent editors.

Plus, your grade might literally depend on giving thoughtful feedback. So let's do this right.

The Golden Rules of Peer Editing

Before we get into the specifics, internalize these rules:

Rule 1: Focus on the Writing, Not the Writer

You're evaluating a piece of writing, not judging a person. "This paragraph needs more evidence" is about the writing. "You're not a good writer" is about the person. Never the second one.

Rule 2: Be Specific

"This is confusing" is unhelpful. "This paragraph is confusing because the transition from your second point to your third point is missing a connecting idea" is helpful.

Rule 3: Balance Criticism With Praise

Point out what's WORKING, not just what's broken. "Your opening hook is really strong" costs you nothing and makes the writer more receptive to hearing about areas that need work.

Rule 4: Ask Questions Instead of Making Commands

"Have you considered adding an example here?" is better than "Add an example here." Questions feel collaborative; commands feel bossy.

Rule 5: Give the Feedback You'd Want to Receive

Before writing a comment, ask yourself: "If this were MY paper, would this comment actually help me make it better?"

The Three-Level Editing System

Most students jump straight to fixing commas. That's like rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic. Start with the big stuff and work your way down.

Level 1: Big Picture (Content & Argument)

This is the most important level. Read the entire paper through ONCE without marking anything, then ask:

Thesis & Purpose

• Is there a clear thesis statement?
• Can you identify it easily (or did you have to hunt for it)?
• Does the thesis make an argument (not just state a fact)?
• Does the thesis answer the prompt/assignment question?

Evidence & Support

• Does each body paragraph include evidence (quotes, data, examples)?
• Is the evidence relevant to the point being made?
• Is there enough evidence (not just one example per point)?
• Are sources cited properly?

Argument & Logic

• Does the argument flow logically from point to point?
• Are there any logical gaps or jumps?
• Does the writer address counterarguments (if required)?
• Is the conclusion a natural result of the argument, not a random new idea?

Addressing the Assignment

• Does the paper answer the actual prompt?
• Is it the right length?
• Does it meet specific requirements (number of sources, format, etc.)?

Level 2: Structure & Organization

Now look at how the paper is put together:

Paragraph Structure

• Does each paragraph have a clear topic sentence?
• Does each paragraph focus on ONE main idea?
• Are paragraphs a reasonable length (not too long, not too short)?
• Does each paragraph connect back to the thesis?

Transitions & Flow

• Are there transition sentences between paragraphs?
• Does the order of paragraphs make sense?
• Can you follow the argument without getting lost?
• Does the introduction set up what's coming?
• Does the conclusion wrap up what was discussed?

Introduction

• Is there a hook that grabs attention?
• Is there enough context/background?
• Does it end with a clear thesis?

Conclusion

• Does it restate the thesis (not copy-paste)?
• Does it summarize key points?
• Does it end with a "so what?" — why does this matter?
• Does it avoid introducing new information?

Level 3: Sentence-Level Editing

LAST, look at the details:

Clarity

• Are sentences clear and easy to understand?
• Are there any run-on sentences?
• Are there any sentence fragments?
• Is the writing concise (no unnecessary words)?

Word Choice

• Is the vocabulary appropriate for the assignment?
• Are there any words used incorrectly?
• Is there variety in word choice (not the same word repeated constantly)?
• Is the tone consistent throughout?

Grammar & Mechanics

• Spelling errors?
• Punctuation errors?
• Subject-verb agreement?
• Correct verb tense (and consistent throughout)?
• Proper use of apostrophes?

Formatting

• Correct citation format (MLA, APA, etc.)?
• Proper heading and title?
• Correct font, spacing, and margins?
• Page numbers (if required)?

How to Write Actually Helpful Comments

The Feedback Sandwich (Modified)

The classic "positive-negative-positive" sandwich can feel fake. Instead, try this approach:

1. Start with one genuine strength. Something specific that works well.
2. Give your substantive feedback. The areas that need improvement.
3. End with encouragement. Not fake praise — genuine belief that the changes will make the paper stronger.

Comment Templates That Actually Help

For unclear thesis: "I think your thesis might be in [this sentence], but I'm not 100% sure. Could you make it more specific? What exactly are you arguing?"

For weak evidence: "This is an interesting point! Do you have a specific example or quote that could make it even stronger?"

For confusing organization: "I got a little lost between paragraph 2 and paragraph 3. The jump from [topic A] to [topic B] felt sudden. Maybe a transition sentence would help?"

For unclear sentences: "I read this sentence a few times and I'm still not sure what you mean. Could you try rephrasing it?"

For good writing: "This paragraph is really strong. The example of [X] makes your point super clear." (Be specific about WHY it's good — this helps the writer repeat the technique.)

For missing analysis: "You have a great quote here, but I want to hear YOUR thoughts about it. What does this evidence mean for your argument?"

Comments to AVOID

❌ "Good." (Good HOW? Be specific.) ❌ "Confusing." (What's confusing? Why?) ❌ "Wrong." (What's wrong? How should it be fixed?) ❌ "I liked it." (What did you like? Be specific.) ❌ "This doesn't make sense." (Explain what's confusing about it.) ❌ Any personal attacks or sarcasm.

How to Receive Feedback (Without Taking It Personally)

Being on the receiving end of peer editing can be rough. Here's how to handle it:

Mindset Shifts

• Feedback is about your PAPER, not about YOU.
• Every writer needs editing. Published authors go through multiple rounds of editing. Your first draft isn't supposed to be perfect.
• The person is trying to help. Even if the feedback stings, they're spending time making your paper better.

Practical Tips

• Read ALL comments before reacting. Don't respond to each one in the moment.
• Ask for clarification. If a comment is vague, ask: "What specifically was confusing about that part?"
• You don't have to accept every suggestion. But if multiple readers point out the same issue, it's probably real.
• Thank your editor. Even if the feedback was hard to hear.

If the Feedback Is Unhelpful

If your peer just wrote "looks good!" or only marked commas:

• Politely ask them specific questions: "Do you think my thesis is clear?" "Does this evidence support my argument?"
• Use the checklist in this article to guide them

Advanced Peer Editing Techniques

Read It Out Loud

If possible, have the writer read their paper to you (or you read it aloud). Hearing writing reveals problems that eyes skip over — awkward phrasing, run-on sentences, missing words.

The Reverse Outline

After reading the paper, write a one-sentence summary of each paragraph. Then check:

• Does each summary relate to the thesis?
• Is there a logical progression?
• Are any paragraphs redundant?

If you can't summarize a paragraph in one sentence, the paragraph might be trying to do too much.

The "So What?" Test

After every major claim, ask "So what? Why does this matter?" If the writer doesn't answer that question, they need to add analysis.

The First Sentence Test

Read ONLY the first sentence of each paragraph. Together, they should tell the story of the entire essay in miniature. If they don't make sense as a sequence, the structure needs work.

Peer Editing for Different Types of Assignments

Argumentative/Persuasive Essays

Focus on: thesis strength, evidence quality, counterargument acknowledgment, logical reasoning

Narrative/Personal Essays

Focus on: storytelling, voice, sensory details, emotional impact, clear structure

Research Papers

Focus on: source quality, citation accuracy, evidence integration, avoiding plagiarism, organization

Lab Reports

Focus on: accuracy of data, clarity of methods section, logical conclusions, proper formatting

Creative Writing

Focus on: engagement, voice, imagery, dialogue (if applicable), consistency of tone

The Quick Peer Editing Checklist

Print this or copy it for your next peer editing session:

1. ☐ Thesis is clear and arguable
2. ☐ Each paragraph has a topic sentence
3. ☐ Evidence supports each claim
4. ☐ Transitions connect paragraphs
5. ☐ Introduction hooks the reader
6. ☐ Conclusion wraps up the argument
7. ☐ Writing is clear and concise
8. ☐ Sources are properly cited
9. ☐ Grammar and spelling are correct
10. ☐ Assignment requirements are met

How Gradily Can Help

Not sure if YOUR writing is on the right track before peer editing day? Gradily can help you:

• Strengthen your thesis before someone else has to tell you it's weak
• Improve your evidence and analysis with step-by-step guidance
• Check your essay structure and identify gaps
• Polish your writing so you walk into peer editing with a solid draft

The better your draft before peer editing, the more useful the feedback you'll get.

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Final Thoughts

Peer editing is a skill, and like any skill, it gets better with practice. The first few times will feel awkward. That's normal. Keep using the checklist, keep being specific, and keep focusing on what would actually help the writer improve.

And remember: when you learn to edit someone else's writing, you learn to edit your own. That's the skill that'll stick with you long after the class is over.

Now go give some feedback that's actually worth reading. 📝