Y05W35RC Editing with Criteria

This week, you will look at how editing can help writing grow stronger. You will practise noticing clear steps, useful criteria and kind ways to suggest improvements. As you read, watch how helpful feedback is built. A small suggestion can make a big difference.

Practical / transactional — Instructions/procedures

An instructions or procedures text tells you how to do something in a clear order. Writers use it to give practical help so readers can follow steps, check key points and use the advice straight away. It often includes headings, numbered steps, checklists, examples and short reminders that guide you through the task. As a reader, you need to follow the sequence carefully, notice what each criterion is asking and work out how the example shows improvement. You are learning how to use a classroom tool, not just reading about it.

Before You Read

  • Look at the title and notice that the text is about editing with agreed criteria, not guessing what to fix.
  • Think about how feedback feels more helpful when it points to the writing clearly and stays kind.
  • Get ready to use the steps, checklist table and before/after example as guides while you read.

While You Read

  • Read the steps in order and check what each one tells you to do first, next and later.
  • Use the checklist table to track what the writer wants you to notice in a piece of writing.
  • Pay attention to the before/after example, because it shows how one change can make writing clearer and more specific.
  • Notice the respectful language tips and how they focus on helping, not judging.
  • If two suggestions sound similar, re-read them and look for the small difference in purpose.

Read With Purpose

  • Notice how the text turns editing into a clear set of actions.
  • Pay attention to the criteria that help a writer improve structure and features.
  • Watch how kind suggestion language supports helpful feedback.

Now read

The instructions

~3 min read · ~408 words

The Peer Edit Checklist

Purpose

Peer editing helps you improve writing before it is finished. It is not about hunting for mistakes or proving who is ‘better’ at writing. It is about using agreed criteria to notice what is working, what is unclear and what could be strengthened. A helpful editor tries to make the writing stronger while keeping the writer’s voice.

Steps

1. Read the whole piece first. Read once without stopping. This gives you the full meaning before you start checking details.

2. Check the criteria. Look for the main parts the class has agreed to use. For example, ask:

  • Does the beginning make the topic clear?
  • Are the ideas grouped in a sensible order?
  • Are there details or examples to support the ideas?
  • Is there a clear ending?
  • Does the writing use the right features for the task?

3. Suggest, do not take over. A good suggestion gives the writer a next step. It does not rewrite the whole piece for them. You might point to one place that needs a clearer example, a better link between ideas or a stronger ending.

Checklist table

Criteria | What to look for | Helpful note Beginning | The topic or main idea is clear early | ‘I can see what this is about straight away.’ Organisation | Ideas are grouped and ordered clearly | ‘This part could move earlier to help the flow.’ Details | Examples or explanations support the ideas | ‘Could you add one example here?’ Features | The writing matches the task | ‘This matches the purpose well.’ Ending | The piece feels finished | ‘The ending could link back to your main idea.’

Before/after micro example

Before: ‘We went to the creek. It was good. We learned stuff.’

After: ‘Our class visited the creek, and I learned how small animals depend on clean water.’

The second version is stronger because it is more specific and clearer.

Respectful language tips

  • Start with something that is working.
  • Use kind, clear words.
  • Talk about the writing, not the writer.
  • Ask questions when you are unsure.
  • Give one or two useful suggestions, not a giant list.

You could say:

  • ‘I liked your opening because it made me want to keep reading.’
  • ‘This part is interesting. Could you add one more detail?’
  • ‘I got a little lost here. Maybe a linking sentence would help.’

A respectful editor is careful, honest and kind. The goal is not to judge. The goal is to help the writer see one next step they can actually use.

Check your vocabulary knowledge

criteria n.
agreed points used to judge or check work
sensible adj.
clear and practical
specific adj.
exact and not too general
organisation n.
the way ideas are arranged
linking adj.
joining one idea to another