Computer Science 450 Assignment
Term Paper Reviews
Each student will be required to review Term Paper drafts of two other
students. Assignment will be random. For example, student A will submit three
copies of his/her Term Paper draft. One is for the instructor and the other two
will be distributed to students B and C. Students B and C will review and make
written comments and suggestions on the draft of student A's paper. Comments
may be made directly on the draft or on a separate sheet of paper. Students B
and C will submit two copies of their reviews. One will be returned to student
A, and the other is for the instructor. Students will not be graded on their
rough drafts, but they will be graded on their reviews of the drafts of others.
Student A does not have to follow the suggestions of students B and C but is
encouraged to evaluate them. To review other students work you must submit work
yourself -- and on time. Students are not grading other students!
Review
Guidelines
It's best to make comments directly on the paper where appropriate. Please
write comments legibly and in dark pen or pencil such that they are readable
when copied. Also, avoid writing to close to the edges of the paper. Attach a cover sheet to the review and write
any general comments on the cover sheet. Once a review is completed, make one
copy. Return the original to the author and submit the copy to the instructor.
You should consider and comment on the following during the review.
- Does the term paper or meet the requirements of the
assignment? Be specific about anything you think is missing or
inadequately addressed. The paper should include the following as
appropriate:
§
A clear thesis statement
§
Adequate discussion of background issues
§
An explanation of how computers have had an
impact with respect to this topic
§
A discussion of how the impact of computers has
changed over time
§
The benefits of computers to society as related
to this topic
§
The problems or harm computers have done with
respect to this topic
§
Discussion of relevant ethical issues
§
Explanation of how things are likely to change
in the future with respect to this topic
§
An analysis of the information presented in the
paper and an identification of any causes for concern in the future
§
Identify any changes to current laws or
practices that you thing are necessary with respect to the use of computers in
this area
§
A summary the key points made in the paper
- Check for clarity. If you have trouble understanding
what is being said, others probably will too. Make notes on portions that
need to be rewritten or amplified to improve clarity. You don't have to
(and shouldn't) rewrite them for the author.
- If you notice factual errors,
make appropriate comments. Although the author is responsible for the
technical content of the paper, if you know or suspect that something
stated is incorrect, you should note your opinion or concern.
- Indicate corrections for all
errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling that you find.
- Check for double or ambiguous
meanings and unconscious humor. (A touch of humor is great, but not if
it's accidental.)
- Check for conciseness. Make
comments on any portions that are too wordy.
- Check the format of the paper
and make any suggestions that could improve clarity.
- Check for the overuse of
technical jargon, abbreviations or acronyms.
- Don't make changes for the
sake of change. It's not your paper.
Updated: November 4, 2008