Is the writer's position/claim clear early on? Do you understand what he/she is arguing for? If not, make suggestions.
(You don't have to point to a particular sentence as the claim, but you should know exactly what the writer's position is regardless.)
Is the focus of the argument as a whole clear and narrow enough to reasonably cover? Why or why not? How could the writer narrow the argument in order to make it more defensible?
What strategy is the writer employing? If Rogerian, does the writer need to make his/her own position clearer?
Are the writer's reasons sound in logic and backed-up by numerous, specific examples?
Mark as many places as you can in your partner's argument where evidence is needed or would be appreciated and helpful to you as a reader (specific examples to illustrate certain points, lend credibility, personal experience, statistics, facts, quotes, etc.). Write out additional overall suggestions in the following space.
List any counter-arguments or refutations that might make the argument more solid which the writer may not have considered.
Where in the argument did you become confused? Ask the writer to clarify, and make suggestions as to how they can help to clarify the confusion in their essay.
Overall, was the argument
clear--
coherent--
convincing--
persuasive--
(Beside each term, write why or why not, and make suggestions, even if you comment something like, "The argument is persuasive because . . . but this would make it even more persuasive.")
Ultimately, in your opinion, is the writer trying to (Circle one)
convince the audience of a truth?
persuade the audience to take another look at the issue?
mediate a conflict and possibly propose a solution/resolution?