Find a partner and trade papers.  This exercise is comprised of many steps.  Do each one carefully and fully in order to make this work to the fullest extent.  You may feel silly, or that I'm crazy.  We're neither.  Answer the questions on a separate piece of paper.

Step 1:

Read your partner's paper over carefully from start to finish.  Write down your general impressions.

Step 2:

While the paper is fresh in your mind, look over it for any glaring grammatical errors.  Were there section that you didn't understand because you couldn't follow the English?  Please circle them now. DO NOT CORRECT THEM!!  Just circle the entire sentence.

Step 3:

Go back now and read the first paragraph.  Does it catch your interest?  Why or why not?  Is there a clearly defined main idea?  Do you have a clear idea of where this paper will be going, based on what you read?

Step 4:

Go on to read each paragraph carefully.  Does each paragraph have a topic sentence that makes a valid point?  Does that point support the main idea.  Are there clear and sensible reasons to support the idea of the paragraph?  Explain.

Step 5:

Read the conclusion.  Does it sum up the paper?  Does it ease you out of the paper with a sense of closure?  Is the paper you just read the paper you expected to read based on the introduction you read?  Why or why not?

Step 6:

Think about the paper in general terms.  Is there anything you should be added.? Why or why not.? Is there anything you think should be taken out?  Why or why not?  Be honest: What is your general impression of s paper now that you've read it more carefully.  Is it better than you thought after the initial reading or weaker?  Explain your answer.

Step 7:
Now read the paper ALOUD to the author.  This means you have to make noise.  If you notice any errors on this reading, please either mark the margins or circle the sentence, this time using either a different color ink or a pencil.  If the author notices any errors, the author should say,"stop," and ask the reader to mark the error.  Read through to the end. Repeat if either thinks it's necessary.

Step 8:
Discuss your findings with one another.