Typical format:

1. Print your structured outline [S/O] and a structured-outline review form with no name on it.

2. Staple the blank structured-outline review form to the front of your S/O.

3. Bring a printed copy of your completed S/O and review form to class on [ReviewDay].

4. Write a unique four-letter code such as (DXM7) in BIG LETTERS on the front of your S/O, and on the accompanying review sheet. Do NOT put your name on your S/O.

5. Pick a color for your group, and write the color of your group on the front of your SO, and the accompanying review sheet.

6. Trade your group's stack of S/Os with another group.

7. In your own group, review the S/Os of the other group using the Structured Outline Ranking Procedure. Write useful editing comments, in pen, on the printout itself. (See below.)

8. After you get your own S/O back, read the average points and rankings and the written comments of the reviewers.

9. Make edits to your S/O as needed.

10. Write your NAME on the finished S/O.

11. Submit your now-edited S/O to D2L before the deadline. Turn in your printed review form to the instructor in class.

12. Bring six copies of your S/O only (no review forms) as needed for discussion days.

13. Note: you can always propose an action that you later find unethical.

Giving feedback on structured outlines

• Trade the stack of S/O's with another group.

• Each member of the group reads each S/O.

• Each group member picks a letter as their anonymous reviewer name.

• Each group member assigns points, 0-5, for each paper, for clarity of the structure and contents .
  • Clarity points: how well structured is the presentation of the ideas in the outline?
  • Content points: how interesting is the content—the ideas—in the outline?

• After points are assigned, calculate the average for each of the two columns and write that down.

• Next, the group assigns rankings for each S/O, based on the points, and on discussion. Rankings are from 1 to N (where N is the number of S/Os in this review set). N=Top ranking, 1=bottom ranking. Use x/N notation. No ties allowed.
  • Clarity: of the arguments and the structure of the S/O, 1/N to N/N.
  • Content: how interesting are the ideas?, 1/N to N/N.
  • Overall Rank: 1/N to N/N with N/N being the clearest, most readable, most interesting.

• As you read, write style-editing notes on the S/O. For style it is irrelevant whether you agree with the ideas or believe them interesting, as long as they are clearly stated:
  1. Yay!—You really liked it. Exceptionally clear—especially if a complex idea
  2. Check mark—You liked it. It makes sense. Good. Yes.
  3. Line up—"Probably OK, not completely convinced."
  4. Line across—"Not too sure about this, might want to check, or re-word
  5. Line down—"Not convincing. Does not work."
  6. Yuck—You didn't like it. Not clear. Bad writing, or badly worded. No.

• Circle grammar problems. Offer a fix if you feel like it.

• Comment on the content: "Hey great idea." "I never knew that." "Very sophisticated." "But you didn't think of..."

• Turn over, collect together, pass back to the original group.

• Review the comments of others on your own S/O.