These questions sparked a writing activity at the kickoff meeting of Write the World’s Youth Advisory Board, a redesigned program that combines Community Ambassador (CA) and Senior Community Ambassador (SCA) cohorts into a peer mentoring initiative designed to bolster the Write the World community. Through reviews, exemplar writing, prompt creation, program feedback, and more, CAs and SCAs play a vital role in modeling creative, productive, and responsive approaches to literacy in our global community.
At the heart of their work is giving writing feedback (referred to on the site as peer review)—the social glue that connects Write the World writers across continents. Below, some of our youth leaders share the techniques that they use when responding to the works of other young writers. Their advice is useful for all teen writers (and teachers!) looking to craft compelling, helpful feedback, particularly when reviewing across ages, cultures, geographies, genres, and/or backgrounds.
Quick Links:
Make sure to point out the things the author is doing well and be excited about their piece. (Anastasiya)
Highlight what’s working before addressing what can improve, so the writer feels valued and motivated. (Sejal)
Look at the lines you know they loved, and comment on them! (Mahati)
I think something important to consider is having a good balance of both positive and critical feedback. Just like having too much criticism can tear down a writer, only giving positive feedback does not build one up in the long run. (Jenna)
Giving someone a truckload of compliments without a way to improve is counterintuitive. It leaves no space to grow. It's the same vice-versa. Giving someone a truckload of their flaws isn't just forcing them to look in a mirror, it's forcing them to look in a mirror that only reflects the negative. (Kosisochukwu)
Build on the things that the author is establishing—how can they elevate a specific image, plotline, or character detail? (Anastasiya)
To create a growth-oriented peer review, the review has to be specific about what to fix (e.g., improve tone instead of “fix this part”). (Angelica)
Vague comments like “this is nice” or “this needs work” don’t help. Point to exact lines, techniques, or moments. (Sejal)
Be thoughtful and encouraging. (Jenna)
If it’s a deeply personal piece, don’t comment on the emotion seeming odd. Instead, first thank them for sharing. (Mahati)
Lead with empathy. Remember there’s a real person behind the work, often sharing something deeply personal. (Sejal)
Always keep the writer's voice in mind! When suggesting additions, ask what would happen if they added [this suggestion], but don’t write it in your own words. (Aster)
Read the piece twice—once to acknowledge intention and style, and the other to highlight what could be improved. (Kosisochukwu)
Balance both looking at the bigger scope and the smaller parts—technicalities and general plot, characterization, etc. (Soeun)
Asking questions about the piece like, "What do you mean in this line?" or, “Could you show more of the main character’s feelings?” This method is more reflective to the writer, rather than being judgmental. (Vaishali)
Also be mindful when offering suggestions. Suggestions shouldn’t feel like commands. (Srinidhi)
Check out this excerpt from the winning peer review for our 2026 Poetry & Spoken Word Competition Best Peer Reviewer, Adya Buckland (age 15, Belgium).
"Yellow" by Phoenix_101 (New Zealand)
I heard my friend say the other day,
"I have a crush."
She laughed like the colour yellow.
Guy or girl?
"A guy,
Obviously.”
Her eyes shine like fairy lights.
She twitters about the little congregation forming;
Questions are called out, an impromptu go-fish clamouring for more.
“Well, you might know him,” she answers, bashful, daffodil shy.
“He’s, ah, oh my god, am I blushing?” she covers her hands, embarassment dotting her cheeks,
Yet utterly filled with joy-
Joy alien to me.
Forgive me for forgetting you’re just like the others.
What impression does this poem make on you, as a whole? What feeling are you left with at the end?
This left me happy. Only a talented poet could talk about a colour as if it were an emotion. It gives me forest fairy vibes, just from the way it is written. It is so well written, and I love the structure and dialogue you created. The subtle rhymes make it very easy to read and imagine. I think, as a whole, the topic was selected well. It is very light and entertaining, but also has depth. Its association with the colour yellow is spot on. The connection with daffodils, and the animalistic traits given to the humans (“twitters”), is so good. I also love the shift from the excitement of having a crush to the realisation that she is just like the others. It is so well crafted. You’ve got a masterpiece.
What’s your favorite line? Why?
My favourite line would probably be "She laughed the colour yellow." I love the way the colour was used to describe her laugh, and think it speaks volumes about it. The line implicates the emotion to her laughter and is just so well done. It is made visual in a really interesting way:) I could see the colour yellow coming to of her mouth.
Are there other ways the poet could use language to help you see or understand something in a new way? (Sensory detail? Metaphor or simile? Unfamiliar phrasing? etc.)
I love ur poem. Right now, most of the imagery is visual, so adding other senses like touch or sound would make it feel a tad more real or grounded. The light and flower comparisons are pretty, but they can start to feel a bit familiar, so more unusual or specific metaphors would make it fresher and more personal:) The conversational bits are great because they break the softness, and using more of that contrast could make the emotions feel more layered and alive.:)
What words of encouragement do you have for this writer as they continue drafting their poem?
You already have a really strong sense of voice and imagery, especially in how you mix softness with little conversational moments:). As you keep drafting, trust those contrasts because they’re what make your poem stand out so much to me:). Try not to overthink the “pretty” comparisons and instead lean into more specific, personal details. You’re very close to something that feels both gentle and emotionally sharp at the same time, u got this! Good luck:) btw this is the best poem I've read so
Additional Comments:
If you get stuck on a review, it can help to try a different method! Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. (Emily)
I also like making references to things the work reminds me of; it feels very encouraging when people do that for me. Whether you think it's the most beautiful thing you've ever read or something with potential, you should always make sure you want the piece to succeed. (Sarah)
Lead with Empathy & Encouragement: Did you highlight what’s working well and thank the writer for sharing their work?
Keep It Balanced: Is there a healthy mix of sincere praise and actionable constructive criticism?
Be Specific & Clear: Did you point to exact lines, techniques, or moments rather than giving vague feedback?
Respect the Writer’s Voice: Are your suggestions guiding them to elevate their vision instead of rewriting it in your voice?
Ask Reflective Questions: Did you frame suggestions as curiosity rather than direct commands?
Read It Twice: Did you check once for overall tone, plot, and intent, and a second time for technical details?
Put these insights into action! Head over to your Write the World Dashboard, set your filter to “Seeking Peer Review,” and choose a piece from a fellow writer waiting for feedback today. Your words could be the exact encouragement they need to keep writing.
Are you a teacher? Check out our writing feedback guidelines for the classroom for a printable for students!
Happy reviewing!