Peer Review for Joel’s Grammar

Purpose

The purpose of Joel’s essay is a brief survey and overview of English grammar, giving a summary of several important works through history about English grammar. The essay conforms to the assignment and is consistent, though the last half-page of the essay could use more focus on the purpose.

Thesis

The thesis was unclear in this paper. Joel gives a clear and interesting definition of grammar but could use that definition to make a larger claim that is hinted at but not fully developed in the paper. I believe the thesis is somewhere in both section three and the conclusion, as there were good ideas present in both that spoke to different larger concerns of the paper.

Structure

The paper begins with an overview of English, noting how there are variations in the language. Joel then focuses on helping clarify the definition of grammar. He then contrasts the regionalism and acquisition of grammar through use against grammar as a set of rules that are codified and taught. He then develops the topic of linguistics to give a brief overview of what linguistics is and how it is changing. The conclusion then reflects on how language is always changing and evolving.

Development

The development of the paper is one of the strongest aspects. Joel makes claims and then uses illustrations and explanations to help expand upon those claims.

Tone

The tone is academic and formal but not overwrought or stilted. Like the development, the tone is a strong aspect of this paper and feels natural throughout. The more conversational tone in section six has a nice voice and speaks in an intelligent but not cold way, though a paper that had this tone throughout might seem a little casual.

Unity

While the thesis is not as clearly articulated as it could be, the paper is unified for the most part by using chronology and also the natural segue of ideas.

Coherence

The transitions between sections are smooth, though I think section 4 could be reordered a bit. the paragraph leading with John Locke seems backward, as the main point is about descriptive grammar, but the information about Locke, which is an illustration, muddles the paragraph and pulls the focus away a little bit. Writing skills and techniques such as using fluid transitions would greatly improve his writing.

Title, introduction, conclusion

The introduction and section 6 of the paper, which is the second-to-last section, feel like good introductions and conclusions. The title is not very imaginative, but it is descriptive and tells the reader what the paper is going to be about.