Peer review is an essential part of the writing and revision process. By having others review their work, students can gain valuable feedback that helps them improve their essays. For narrative essays in particular, peer review can help students strengthen their storytelling abilities. A well-designed peer review sheet serves as an effective guide for reviewers to provide structured and insightful commentary.
When developing a peer review sheet for narrative essays, it’s important to include prompts that examine key elements of the narrative form. Narrative essays tell a story, so the review sheet should guide readers to evaluate the story’s components. For example, the following prompts would be appropriate:
Introduction: Does the intro paragraph set up the story effectively by introducing the main characters, setting, and timeframe/sequence of events in an engaging way? Does it capture your interest and make you want to keep reading?
Plot development and sequencing: Does the plot unfold in a logical sequence? Are events described in enough detail for the reader to visualize what is happening? Are there any gaps or unnecessary details included?
Character development: Are the main characters described fully enough that the reader can picture and relate to them? Do their actions and dialogue help reveal their personalities? Do secondary characters serve a clear purpose?
Description: Does the writer use vivid sensory details (sights, sounds, smells, tastes, textures) to fully engage the senses and help the reader experience the story? Is the setting conveyed clearly?
Pacing: Does the story move at an engaging pace, neither too fast nor too slow? Are suspenseful moments built up appropriately?
Conflict: Is there a clear central conflict that drives the plot? Does it build to a satisfying resolution by the end?
Theme: Can you identify one or more themes explored in the story? Are they conveyed subtly through events and character actions rather than stated directly?
Closing: Does the closing paragraph wrap up the key story elements effectively and leave the reader with a sense of resolution or closure?
In addition to critiquing the core narrative elements, peer reviewers should also evaluate the technical writing aspects like organization, coherence, grammar/mechanics, and voice/style. Some prompts related to these could include:
Organization: Is the story organized logically, with a clear beginning, middle, and end? Does each paragraph flow smoothly into the next?
Coherence: Do all story elements – plot, characters, setting, etc. – work together cohesively to tell a unified story? Or does anything feel disjointed or out of place?
Grammar/Mechanics: Does the writer maintain consistent verb tenses and points of view throughout? Check for any errors in spelling, punctuation, capitalization, etc. that detract from readability.
Style/Voice: Does the writer maintain an engaging, consistent narrative voice/perspective throughout? Is the language and tone appropriate for the subject/intended audience?
The peer review sheet should end by prompting for overall feedback and impressions. Suggested final prompts could be:
What are the strengths of this narrative? What did you enjoy most about the story?
What, if anything, could be improved? Please provide specific, constructive suggestions for revision.
Would you want to read more stories by this writer? Why or why not? What type of story might they excel at telling?
Any other overall feedback or comments you’d like to provide?
Providing both qualitative prompts about narrative elements and technical writing, as well as space for an overall assessment, helps structure comprehensive peer feedback. Reviewers should also be encouraged to support all critiques with concrete examples from the text. With practice using a rubric like this, students can gain experience thoughtfully evaluating narratives and articulating how to make stories even more engaging. The feedback gained through peer review then allows essay writers opportunities for meaningful revision before final submission. When implemented effectively as part of the writing process, peer review of narratives can benefit both reviewers and authors alike.