Peer Editing in the OWC

Since peer editing is an important part of this class, it is important that it is carried out as well as possible. Here are a few guidelines for you as correctors to make it run smoothly:
1) At the top of your text, you should always include your name and e-mail address. That way it cannot get lost.
2) When saving your text, first give the week number then a shortened form of the assignment and your last name, e.g. 2introSmith. If you are using the smail from the university you can save it as an rtf file instead of a doc. That is an advantage because rtf files cannot transmit viruses. Unfortunately, gmx and web.de accounts don't accept rtf attachments.
3) When sending the corrected version back to your peer, save it by simply adding your initials at the end. That way it will not overwrite the first text and the author can organize the texts better, e.g. 2introSmithBK
4) When giving feedback
  a. First read each draft once over quickly to get a general overview looking at the form and structure. Does the text fulfill the assignment based on topic sentences and structure? Do the sentences flow logically and do they all pertain to the topic sentence or thesis?
  b. On a second reading insert any corrections or comments to language problems you noticed using the editing tool from the word program.
  c. At the end of the text make a final comment (in English, of course!) as to your general impressions about the structure and contents saying what you liked best and adding any suggestions for improvements you feel may be helpful. (Try to end on a positive note!)
  d. Since we will be writing texts every other week, it is not necessary to find every mistake the writer has made. A few of the most obvious ones will probably be enough for the writer to work on for the next time. Probably one of the most important things to keep in mind is not to make false corrections. Something may seem not quite right to you but you are not sure why or how to best correct it. Simply put a comment stating that or a question mark (?) at the spot. That will let the writer know something is questionable and they can think about it. That is much better than making a false correction.
5) When receiving feedback:
  a. Be sure and check to see whether you agree with the feedback and possibly write back to your editor if you have any questions regarding it. Keep in mind the feedback is intended to help you as a writer so be sure and give intensive thought to the corrections that were made for you.
6) Try to get an English dictionary for your Word.
  a. This is not just a big help but a self-teacher.
  b. This also contains synomyms which can be very useful. (Right mouse click on the word)

How to use the editing tool
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