• Format: should be double-spaced; Times New Roman; 12-font
• Attention-grabbing first sentence: does it pull you in to read more?
• Setting: Can you determine the setting within a short time? (Setting: time period, location, flavor)
• Use of sensory images
• Effective word choice (WC)
• Dialogue: Is dialogue used to further the action?
• Mark any sentence structure that you trip over or have to reread
• Proper use of grammar, punctuation, spelling: Mark but no need to discuss in group
• Tense of verb consistent throughout
• Point of view consistent: No head hopping
• Are you, the reader, confused anywhere?
Critique the writing, not the person. Finish with an encouraging comment.