Skip to Main Content

Tools for Academic Writing: Giving Peer Feedback

This guide contains resources to improve academic writing including: Literature Reviews, Annotated Bibliographies, Writing in Various Disciplines, and Giving Peer Feedback.
  • URL: https://library.park.edu/writing

What is Peer Review? 

R.I.S.E. Peer Feedback Model

Student guidelines for peer review

  • Before you even make your first comment, read the document all the way through.
  • Make sure you leave enough time for you to read through, respond, and for your peer to edit his/her document with your comments before any deadlines.
  • If you are provided with a feedback form to fill out and something is unclear, do not ignore the item but ask the instructor for clarification.
  • Point out the strengths as well as the weaknesses of the document.
  • Offer suggestions, not commands.
  • Editorial comments should be appropriate and constructive. There is no need to be rude. Be respectful and considerate of the writer's feelings.
  • Be sure that your comments are clear and text-specific so that your peer will know what you are referring to (for example, terms such as "unclear" or "vague" are too general to be helpful).
  • As a reader, raise questions that cross your mind, points that may have not occurred to your peer author.
  • Try not to overwhelm your peer with too much commentary. Follow the feedback form and the issues you are supposed to address.
  • Be careful not to let your own opinions bias your review (for example, don't suggest that your peer completely rewrite the paper just because you don't agree with his/her point of view).
  • Reread your comments before passing them on to your peer. Make sure all your comments make sense and are easy to follow.
  • Avoid turning your peer's paper into your paper.

How to Write Effective Peer Review Comments

Park University Library
8700 NW River Park Drive, Box 61 - Parkville, MO - 64152
Phone: (816) 584-6285
Toll-free: (800) 270-4347