“What can we do to create a culture of peer review feedback that feels personal and growth-oriented? What are important guidelines to keep in mind as we’re reviewing on the site?”
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.
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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)
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)
Ready to apply these insights to your very own peer reviews on Write the World? Try adjusting your Dashboard by clicking the “Seeking Peer Review” box in the dropdown menu of filtering options to tailor your reading experience to the works of writers actively and eagerly awaiting your feedback.
Are you a teacher? Check out our writing feedback guidelines for the classroom for a printable for students!
Happy reviewing!