Use the questions below to help you peer edit your partner's manual. Avoid answering with simple "yes" or "no,"  as that does not help the writer revise.

1. Summarize the main idea. If there is a thesis statement, write it out.
2. Who is the intended audience?  Are they experts or newbies? How can you tell?
3. What works best with the manual?
4. What needs more work?
5. Does the introduction make you want to read more? Explain.
6. Does the conclusion round out the manual? Explain.
7. Is the table-of-contents inclusive?
8. Is there an attractive cover page?
9. Are there enough examples that you understand the writer's point-of-view? Explain.
10. Does the information presented seem accurate? If not, note places which seem confusing or inadequate.
11. In what ways does the author make use of headers, sub-headers, etc. In other words, how accessible is the presented information?
12.   Are specialized terms explained in a special section? Do they need to be?
13.   Is there a troubleshooting section? Is one needed?
14.   What would you add or take out to make this a better manual?
15.   Any suggestions or comments?

Contents within this site are copyrighted by both the author of essays and/or Jan Strever.
The contents within these pages are solely those of the author and S.C.C.
should not be held responsible.  ©1999-2009
Last revised: November 19, 2009 by Jan Strever -- jstrever@scc.spokane.edu
Personal site:  http://www.js.spokane.wa.us/