SQR 2

Brie Fenton
ENG 1301.28
Instructor: Trang Phan
9/12/10

SQR2: Peer Response: Teaching Specific Revision Suggestions
Sommers, Nancy. “Revision Strategies of Student Writers and Experienced Adult Writers.” College composition and communication, Vol. 31, No.4 (Dec., 1980). pp. 378-388

Many times during revisions of drafts, student’s responses are all almost the same, too typical. Classmates often get good help on their writing from their peers. The organizational technique PQP- praise-question-polish helps students focus better on the revision process. This technique requires students to read their drafts out loud as others follow along. This helps the writer to hear the piece in another voice and see possible changes. Students are then given PQP forms to use for revision.
Getting specific responses is usually acquired through small groups with activities and follow ups. During class activity, students are required to give specific revisions, meaning to give the writer a direction for revision and why it is necessary. In group activity, students discussed what kinds of responses are effective and not effective. Revised comments are shared and looked over with the entire class. Follow ups were to make sure the students know the keys to writing specific responses.
Results of the PQP were very successful. Before PQP 19% of the comments were vague, 53% were general and 28% were specific. After the group session, specific comments went up to 42%, vague comments dropped to 14% and general moved to 44%. After the whole PQP process the specific comments went up to 60%, general down to 34% and vague down to 6%. It is safe to say that the PQP worked wonders with the students.


What are your thoughts about the PQP technique. Do you think it benefits students?

I believe the PQP technique is very successful for students. Results from the study show that the amount a specific comments went up a decent amount. The technique benefits all students by showing the readers to pay more attention to detail and letting the writers know exactly what needs to be fixed. This should be applied to all writing classes around the country. Putting it into effect would boost writing scores and allow students to branch out and improve their skills.